The Sobbing School (National Poetry Series) by Joshua Bennett

​   Every so often, on about blue moon basic, I select a volume of poetry to try. I’m not a poetry reader and oftentimes these experiments reflect it. And yet, somehow, I did get something out of this collection.
    I’m not sure I can say it spoke to me, because I can’t relate on a personal level to the author’s main themes of living as a black man in a racist country. (Yes, of course, it is the US). But…but there was something about his style, his energy and imagery, the musicality of his verses and the beauty of his language that was just undeniably good and potent and poignant.
    Poetry reviewing and fiction are so different and I’m much more accustomed to and experienced in the latter but suffice it to say in spite of my brain that generally doesn’t appreciate modern style nonrhyming nonShakespearean poetry this devastatingly titled book did more to improve my understanding and appreciation of poetry than most. The author had things to say and talent to do so as an artform. An experience presented as such is an experience not easily ignored. It’s like a way of drawing the curtains back from a window to a soul, a window to a world. And well worth the read.