Absolute Trust in the Goodness of the Earth: New Poems

It's no secret what Alice Walker can do with words in books. Just when I thought I'd read it all by this wonderful woman, this poetry collection took me to new heights. I found myself indulging in her soulfelt musing in bed, in the bath in between times with my children and just any time I had a moment to read it. I read these poems like a novel, because in actuality, it's what they really are. If you don't have this poetry collection yet, you're already missing out on one of the best books of poetry out there. Get it!

Alice Walker seems to love the color blue. I didn't count how often, but blue is woven in and out of the poems. It is like there is a blue ribbon of healing words sent out to the reader.The poems weave a tale of the wonder of life and send out a call for the end of war and mistreatment of each other. Alice Walker sets an example of thanking and honoring friends for being who they are.The poems in this book dusts off the reader and sets him/her off to do the work that needs to be done."This is the true wine of astonishment:We are notOverWhen we think We are."

I saw Ms. Walker read poems from this book last night in Los Angeles. She spoke of how she thought she was done with writing and then the poetry started one day. She described the return to poetry as a "spring" beginning to flow again. Anyone involved in creative pursuits, such as writing poetry, can surely relate to the "spring" metaphor. These poems are simply beautiful and seem effortless as you read them. They seem to come from a vast, open space. Reading the poetry engages the reader in a celebration of life, the spirit, and hope for humanity. Highly recommended!

Alice Walker's poetry transcends the egocentric concerns of the over-privileged conflict seeking few and reaches for a far loftier goal. Ms. Walker states this goal in the simple truth that in order to have peace we must at first be at peace with ourselfs. A fact that eludes so many of our world "leaders". Her poem on pg.179 "Dreaming the New World in Careyes" is the focal point (in my opinion) of this book, and a microcosm of the world today. I believe many people will certainly relate to the topic as they read it. At the conclusion of her poem Ms. Walker writes "Unhappy, but determined to disrupt the dream of peace". This sentence has become painfully relevant today. Ms. Walker's poetry is sensitive and insightful and in todays world speaks volumes above the din of war. For me her writings have become a breath of fresh air among alot of war-mongering halitosis.

Alice Walker possesses a gift that she has continually shared with her readers. In both her fiction & poetry writing she weaves a web of magnificent beauty, keeping alive the hope that humanity and life is good. Her work comes from a source of profound truth deep within, awakening that part that is within each human being. When I feel disoriented or in need of solace, Alice Walker's writing sings to me as a mother to child. I feel blessed to have discovered her writing, as it has been a gift beyond all others. Her poems rise up as prayers to the Divine & I am thankful to experience this connection. So thank you, Alice, for sharing your profound gift with us all.