Earlier this year, Flight: A Literary Sampler published my golden shovel “…it is not the stones, / But the child’s mound—” in their inaugural issue. Now they have nominated it for a Pushcart alongside some amazing writers, which is very cool.
"Stage Proxemics" nominated for a Pushcart Prize
I'm honored to announce that my creative nonfiction piece “Stage Proxemics” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Pangyrus.
My brother is a fucking badass. Always has been. Even before he was my brother. I learned how to walk trying to keep up at Afrocentric art shows, poetry readings, dramatic performances, rallies, and protests. He taught me that Black Lives Mattered before the proto-progressives in Boston had heard of George Floyd or Rodney King. I tell people I’m on at least five government watchlists. Between lessons about IRA activities in local catholic parishes and revolutionaries smoking cigars with Fidel Castro, at least one of those lists is definitely his fault.
Pushcart Nomination for "The Quiet Part"
My CNF piece “The Quiet Part” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by In Short.
Pre-Order Promises to Keep (Wayfarer Books, 2026)
Promises to Keep is now in pre-order from Wayfarer Books!
"White Woman Freedom" nominated for a Best of the Net award
Happy to announce that my creative nonfiction piece, "White Woman Freedom" was nominated for a Best of the Net award by Identity Theory!
“when asked why I’ll never write you a sincere poem” nominated for Best of the Net
I wrote a poem for a good friend. I sent it into the world. It got published. And now “when asked why I’ll never write you a sincere poem” was nominated by The Lit Nerds for a Best of the Net award!
CLMP reading list for Black History Month
New Creative Nonfiction Editor at Porcupine Literary!
I’m the new CNF Editor at Porcupine Literary, a journal for and by educators. Yes, you read that right: CNF, not poetry editor. It’s a strange world. But I’m starting to embrace the whole “I write prose, specifically CNF a lot these days” aspect of my (writing)life.
Send your stuff our way!
"believes all things" nominated for a Best of the Net
3Elements Literary Review has nominated “…believes all things” for a Best of the Net!
Award (almost) announcements
Two close but no cigar announcements:
I.
Selections from Selling the World (my ekphrastic manuscript in progress") was longlisted for the Kinsman Avenue Publishing African Diaspora Award. My poems “Adoration of the Magi,” “Bust of Akhenaten,” “homegoing,” “The Moorish Chief,” & “Quilt” will all published in a forthcoming anthology.
II.
The Third Renunciation was a finalist for the New England Poetry Club Sheila Margaret Motton Book Prize. This is the second time I’ve been a finalist for this prize.
The poems I never read in public (a virtual reading from said the Frog to the scorpion)
I don’t read longer poems at poetry readings. However, I composed some of my longest poems in said the Frog to the scorpion. Months ago, I made an intention to record these poems because I slaved over them and wanted my physical voice attached to them as they are to the poems I read aloud regularly.
So here is a 13 min reading of longer poems from said the Frog to the scorpion
Poems:
1. "when asked why I believed Her"
2. "who She is" (I screwed up the title in the video)
3. “when asked about toxic amnesia”
4. “take your pick”
5. “when asked why I won't”
And yes, there are a lot of squirrels behind me...
Book launch reading of said the Frog to the scorpion
The book launch of said the Frog to the scorpion (Harbor Editions, 2024) was a special event.
I was honored to have Kai Coggin and Maya Williams read their amazing poetry as a part of the night. You can watch the recording through the link below.
A five minute reading for Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and my new collection
In honor of Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and the publication of my new collection, here is a five minute reading from said the Frog to the scorpion and one other poem.
Poems read in the video (the first four appear in said the Frog to the scorpion):
Hevel
when asked what it’s like to love Her
at some point
Fare Forward’s The Editors’ Best of 2023 - The Third Renunciation
In a year filled with mass shootings, hate crimes, and wars, I craved a book on theodicy. But I wasn’t going to find the book I personally needed on a systematic theology shelf. Instead, I reread Henry’s poems.
Cover reveal for said the Frog to the scorpion
My new collection of poetry said the Frog to the scorpion is forthcoming in early 2024 from Harbor Editions. Cover art by CR Resetarits
Slant Books Review of The Third Renunciation
Brian Volk wrote a review of The Third Renunciation for Slant Books. It’s a mind-blowing honor to be considered alongside the new work of B.H. Fairchild and Scott Cairns.
Pushcart Prize Nomination from The Worcester Review
My poem “curriculum development” was nominated by The Worcester Review for a Pushcart Prize!
"Invisible Man (Two Views)” - Alan Squire Publishing Annual Poetry Contest
My poem "Invisible Man (Two Views)” was shortlisted in Alan Squire Publishing Annual Poetry Contest and is now in ASP Bulliten’s latest issue.
Invisible Man, Glenn Ligon
This is a doubly ekphrastic poem, inspired by Glenn Ligon’s canvases (by the same name), who in turn took his inspiration from Ralph Ellison’s novel of the same name. Both Ligon and my work represents the opening paragraphs of Ellison’s work to great effect.
So I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. Black excellence.
"Inscrutable" Nominated for a Best of the Net Award
My creative nonfiction essay “Inscrutable” was nominated by Redivder for a Best of the Net Award.
This is my first time being nominated for my prose.
