Poetry seems to be a dying art in contemporary society. Yet, one who has truly experienced the bittersweet reality of the spectrum of human emotions cannot deny the value of poetry. The poems contained in this book are not simplythe results of a masteryof literary devices, they are rather the results of real, life transforming experiences and relationships.
Eutille writes from the heart of her soul. She lays bear her deepest desires, joys, sorrows, and hopes. Her poems not only reflect the social resurrection and emancipation of a young Tobagonian woman, but of universal womanhood- the womb that gestates humanity, the quintessential manifestation of divinity. These poems capture the essence of the wisdom of the ages in a delicate, colorful blend of art and philosophy from a uniquely Caribbean perspective.
In the first section, the author deals with the peril and dignity of womanhood, especially blackwomanhood. She skillfully articulates the experience of the black woman, using her own experience as the stage, she both describes the plight of the black woman in today's society and prescribes some possible responses to this plight.
The second section, 'Family and Friends', affirms the value of familial relationships. The author not only. speaks to and about her biological family, but to the sisterhood of humanity.
In the third section, Ms. Duncan allows her soul to bleed as she painfully reflects on 'The Other Side of Love'. This section depicts the pain of rejection, the anguish of betrayal, and the agony of deception. Love hurts. This is the other side of love that most people would rather not deal with. This morbid side of love is not only the experience of our sisters, but the experience of humanity, for the hurts and wounds that men inflict on women and vice versa and the hurts and wounds inflicted on humanity itself.
In the final section, Eutille turns her attention to "the brothers" and from that annals of her spirit calls for the 'Real Men' to take a stand. Here the author affirms the age-old virtues of honesty, truthfulness, and justice. Despite the corruption of the age especially the rapid dehumanizing of male specie-especially the black male, the author calls for the 'real men' to the stand up. This, intrinsically is a call for humanity to stand up.
These poems touched my soul and I am sure they would touch yours as you experience them. I believe this book will, positively benefit every woman who reads it. It would sometimes seem as if you are looking into a mirror. These poems would challenge every conscientious man who reads them, yet it can empower the birthing of true manhood if you allow it to. I encourage you to savor the precious good old Tobagonian 'oil down' of life contained in these poems, for they are not just poems, but priceless leaves for life, time, and eternity.