Overview
Magnolia Leaves (1897) is a collection of poems by Mary Weston Fordham. Published toward the end of her life, Fordhamās only collection appeared in print with an introduction by Booker T. Washington, who saw in its author an undeniable gift which could prove ā[t]he Negroās right to be considered worthy of recognition in the field of poetic effort.ā Meditating on such themes as morality, labor, maternity, liberty, and faith, Mary Weston Fordham displays not only a mastery of poetic form, but a hard-earned wisdom and talent for observing life in all its forms. āWith hands all reddened and sore, / With back and shoulders low bent, / She stands all day, and part of the night / Till her strength is well-nigh spent.ā In āThe Washerwoman,ā Fordham depicts a woman whose life on earth revolves around labor, for whom life after death means the promise of hard-earned rest, to ābe found on the other shore.ā While many, if not all, of Fordhamās poems revolve around Christian imagery and themes, some, including āChicago Exposition Ode,ā āStars and Stripes,ā and āAlaska,ā reflect on the promise of freedom and liberty in the aftermath of the Civil War. Her poems strive to depict the diversity of nineteenth century America, such as in āAtlanta Exposition Ode,ā which celebrates the end of war and the coming together of former slaves, Union soldiers, and Confederate forces alike. āSong to Erinā and āHighland Maryā depict the immigrant experience, while āThe Cherokeeā mourns the murder and displacement of Americaās indigenous peoples. In sixty-six poems, Mary Weston Fordham distils the experience of a lifetime and the wisdom of one who has experienced loss and found the strength to move forward. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Mary Weston Fordhamās Magnolia Leaves is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.
This book title, Magnolia Leaves - 9781513134659, ISBN: 9781513134659, by Mary Weston Fordham, Mint Editions, published by Mint Editions (February 15, 2022) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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