A preeminent voice in contemporary literature, Major Jackson offers
steady miracles of vision and celebrations of language in rapturous,
sophisticated poems. With selections from five acclaimed
volumes--including his Cave Canem Poetry Prize-winning debut, Leaving
Saturn (2002); the NAACP Image Award finalist Hoops (2006); and his
vulnerable, philosophical latest, The Absurd Man (2020)--along with
three dozen new poems, Razzle Dazzle traces the evolution of Jackson's
transformative imagination and fierce music. Whether addressing racial
conflict and the ongoing struggle for human dignity in America, bearing
witness to the plight of refugees, or grieving the contradictory nature
of humankind, these dexterous poems proclaim the remarkable power of
renewal, justice, and accountability.
From "The Ocean You Answer To"
Unseen, many marveled in the comfort of their tiny utopias.
But you stood like music with your breath outstretched
waiting for eternity to enter your arms.