The Words Don't Fit in My Mouth

by Jessica Care Moore

A collection of poems describing what it means to be a Black woman in present-day American society

Genres: Poetry, Feminism

151 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sarah Heidelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I, Jessica Care Moore was my muse for many years. She inspired me to purposefully put pen to paper and then open my mouth and speak those very words. The poets words are profound, cryptic, yet move like molten honey to capture and enrapture minds seeking a road to travel. This book is prolific as excerpts of it were performed on television and also appeared in Essence magazine around the time that she performed in and won the Apollo. Hats off to my unbenonst mentor, poetry tutor, and emboldener to get my words and imagery out to the world. You will love this book, if you can find a copy, get one!

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Care Moore's words envelope you, whether in sound or on page. Hearing her is an experience, but reading her life in lines is also amazing. This first book of hers is definately enjoyable, and a must read for the raw spoken word folks out there. Pop corn poetry readers need not pick this one up, it'll be a difficult read for you.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favorites. If I ever share poetry it typically is out of this collection. I met her and her poetry is even more powerful when performed live. This collection is inspiring and tells many stories through the perspectives of a biracial, Detroit born, mother/sister/daughter/woman poet. I re-read this book frequently.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Moore after seeing her speak at an event and attending one of her Black Women Rock events. I enjoyed this book, but expect I would be five-starring it had it been audio. There is something about her personal voice, phrasing that makes her ideas and words carry more weight. Still I liked reading her in print as it gave me a different perspective.

Some of my favorite poems were

- Rainbows baby rainbows
- There are no asylums for the real crazy women
- This is not an instrumental
- Excuse me
- X-Chromosome
- This is not a poem about revolution
- Black Statue of Liberty
- My caged bird don't sing and every black bird ain't a piece of fried chicken
- Color Struck!
- I'm in love with potential
- Is it revolutionary for a woman to cook her man dinner?
- Sweetest revolutionary

Some of these pieces seem light hearted. Others have layers of meaning, perhaps during different periods of our lives. There are also works that speak to the humanity, universality of love. This particularly touched me in "I'm in love with potential" and "There are no asylums for the real crazy women" (excerpt follows).

"It's your life on display in all those paragraphs anyway
Vivienne there are no asylums for the real crazy women!
There are no asylums for the real crazy women!
Cause none of my girls are there

But there is a prison where spirit thieves are shook
From their skin
Still, in your afterlife, I know you will fight for him
And never tarnish his distinguished name
But your love for the truth of a poet's eyes
Blinks not the same"

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few poems I really loved. Overall, just not my style.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spoken word poetry from the Apollo legend herself.