From Roses to Sparrows

     From Roses to Sparrows, by CiCelia Jackson.

     I have to start out by saying that I'm no expert in poetry.  In high school I was in honors, and then advanced placement English.  One year we had a semester long project to create an anthology of at least 100 poems.  The criteria for the project were that we had to have 2 analogy poems, 2 ABC poems, 10 blank verse poems (only 3 of which could be Shakespeare), 5 classicism poems, 5 dactyl poems, 5 haiku poems, 5 enjambment poems (yes, we were able to use Dr. Seuss), 10 couplet poems (once again, only 3 could be Shakespeare), 3 ballad poems, 3 lyric poems, and the other 50 were our choice, but we had to have at least 5 foreign poems from 5 different countries.  It was a big project, and 16 years later, it is one of the things I've kept from school.  So, I have had a little practice analyzing poetry.  

     Mrs. Jackson has some beautiful work in her anthology.  She has a small varied style, mostly free verse and blank verse with added elements of refrain poetry, ballad poetry, conceit poetry, and (loosely) some classicism poetry.  There could be several others, but I'm a little rusty, and these are the ones that stuck out most to me.  

     Her work, in her own words, was written to, "...give our blooming youth of little women something to ponder upon during their life's journeys, as well as to speak to mature women to embrace the treasured privilege we have in teaching them," so I am obviously not her target audience.  However, I am a loving husband, and a father of two young women, so I can appreciate her messages.

     The first poem which really hit me was entitled, "Black."  In a time when race has been a galvanizing force politically, socially, economically, and (in some cases) religiously, it was nice to hear a non-hateful voice about pride in one's race.  Mrs. Jackson addresses the issue of black women not feeling as desirable or pretty as the "fair' races, of the continued discrimination of blacks making "present day slaves," and of hateful reprove from those who cannot admit that they look down upon her race.  The counter message was not lashing out with hate of her own, but standing strong and proud of who she is.  The almighty does not discriminate so she will be viewed as an equal, not because she demands it, but because she will prove it with her works, deeds, and moral character.  It was a powerful message, and I read the poem over several times.

     later, in the same chapter, Mrs. Jackson writes a poem we can all relate to entitled, "I Am."  This was a simple poem which expressed a thought I've often had.  When you are looking out of your own eyes, your identity is not your gender, it's not about what others think of you, but what you think, feel, and relate with.  When you have those moments of self-contemplation where you can just be happy with what you see, and feel a simple emotion of being a human, not what others would judge you to be.

     I loved, "My Queen."  I was always a "mamma's boy" growing up.  I respect and love my mother for all that she sacrificed for her children.  She had 8!  Her life revolved around us as kids.  I can only imagine the things she gave up in order to rear so many.  I was taught to respect women because of my mother.  To this day, after being with my wife for 18 years, I still open doors for her, help her with any endeavor she sets her heart on, and I respect her in every way I know how.  "My Queen" is a simple ode to the bountifulness of motherhood.

     In the second chapter, is fairly depressing.  This would be the only criticism I would give Mrs. Jackson; if it's a book to inspire, write from your happiness instead of just your pain. The next poem with which I could truly relate wasn't until chapter 3, and it was entitled, "To Walk With Love."  It's short a short and simple poem which simply speaks of a relationship with love itself, which morphs into love of a person.  Mrs. Jackson may not have intended this meaning, but the poem made me feel this way.  Sometimes we fall in love because we are in love with being in love.

     Chapter 5 gets back on track with truly inspirational work.  The first five poems are wonderful.  "Beautiful Borders" is especially inspiring.  We could all use the advice to embrace who we are, and the way that Mrs. Jackson relates this is truly... well, poetic.  We all have a harsh inner voice.  It may not always be loud, but it's always there, criticizing all we do.  If we could love ourselves as much as those around us love us, we'd be a lot happier in life.  "From Roses to Sparrows," I believe is a direct message from Mrs. Jackson to her younger sister, as those are the nick-names they have given each other.  All I can say is thank you Mrs. Jackson for opening your heart to us.  She again lays her heart bear in Chapter 6 with, "Sparrow's Song."  The love she feels for her little sister is heir apparent. 

     Once again, I'm obviously not Mrs. Jackson's target audience.  Some of the poetry I could not even begin to relate to.  However, the messages of many of the poems were true to human nature, and human emotion.  Love, heartache, sadness, and disappointment are powerful emotions, and can inspire wonderful works of art.  I believe, though, that Mrs. Jackson's best work was when she was feeling empowered and happy.  

I give this work of art