Where are the Love Poems for Dictators?

by E. Ethelbert Miller

The poems of this book display a profound concern for humanity and challenge the proposition that anything is ordinary. The first section ("days of protest/night of peace") expresses solidarity with poor and war-ravaged people in Central and South America and in South Africa. The second section ("dead flowers") is a collection of love poems, and the last section ("poems from blue mountain") focuses on African American folklore. The illustrations complement the poems in strength and sensitivity.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published July 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jonathan Tennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not heard of Miler’s work before but that is not a shock as I really didn’t know much about more modern poetry before I started grad school. After reading 100+ books on poetry and poetry craft, I could easily say this ranks in the top 10. Poems about dictators and love and baseball. It sounds weird, but it works. I liked part or all of almost all the poems contained in this book. My favorites were: madonna, driver, traveling in central america, carlos, from the diary of a young revolutionary, untitled (p. 48), grenada, the poet who came to live by the lake, the kid, Helen.

“when peace returns / this land will be filled with farmers not funerals” (el salvador, p. 28)
“love is the best curve / a woman can throw” (playoffs, p. 55)
“like new music / friendship never / grows old” (arnae’s jazz, p. 68)
“he tryin to keep her warm / like a cup of coffee he can / come back to” (martha & helen, p. 90)

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book merges the political with the humanistic. I know this isn't one of e. etherbert miller's quintecential works, but it is a damn good book. As a former employee of Open Hand Publishing, which is probably the only reason I came across this book, I am awestruck by genius by this poetry, and all of his other poetry. I wish I could meet this man and have him sign the book I used to promote for him. Anybody with any ideas, let me know.

[Nico Meyering · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a collection! And such diverse topics, to split the book into three sections.

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems are nicely done with an international flavor and a social conscience.