Songs in Search of a Voice
Marcus Harris

Reviewed by Barb Radmore


There is a new voice in the contemporary urban poetry movement. Although Marcus Harris is not new to writing this is his first published book of poetry.  Songs in Search of a Voice is a melodic addition to the sound begun by the masters such as Langston Hughes. The legacy continues with Harris.

The poetry of Harris ranges from the arts of love to the act of love, from the love to the violence and from the violence to the politics. Although this literary music can be interpreted as purely urban and of color, the echo will be understood by people all over.  

While a review can address rhyme and rhythm, technique and tone and all artifices of the trade, it is, as Harris clearly understands, the “voice’ of the poetry that must stand alone. Urban poetry is the vehicle of feeling, the expression of truth in a manner made available to all. This is the chorus of those who are not heard, lending noise to the mute.    

The power of the dueling dialogue in the two poems- from Woman to a Player

            “Keep this in mind for the next time

            you want to step to me:

            a boy must first become the man

            that he pretends to be.”

To the answering words of the man in Player to the Woman

            “Remember this each time you think

            my life is yours to run:

            already got a mama- I

            don’t need another one.”

 

The power of traditional poetry can be seen in the book’s haiku. While the art form lends itself well to emotion, outrage and irony, Harris is able to unfold its structure into an orchestra of expression, actually a full out percussion section when the point is made.

            “White overseers,

         Black labor harvested-

            Turf-lined plantation.”

The title-  NCAA Football: Negro Coaches Abundantly Absent. 

 

The power of poetic imagery is shown in The Rainbow Hunters

            “Thinned by love and tears,

   chasing Springtime miracles

                        with Autumnal eyes.”

 

Marcus Harris has made his life’s lessons available to us through his work.: it is his gift to his readers, one that resonates through out his poetry. It is a gift that should be accepted, appreciated and celebrated.
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