Where the Apple Falls
Synopsis:
Where the Apple Falls resides at the intersections between woman/ female, both human and environmental, and the concepts to which she is often linked (without her consent): death; rebirth; victim; sexual/perverse. Seasons are crucial: from the birth of Spring through Autumn’s final harvest the work suggests a recasting of the farmer; a reclamation of both fall and redemption/ death/ (re)birth on her own terms.
Book Excerpt:
Toward the coming night
Hennaed fingers push the carpet open:
first berry red
then midnight blue
an eggshell border marked with ink
the ecru of grandmother’s lamb stew.
Stomach growls readiness
to break a long day’s fasting.
Left knee crouched
on a leaf spray of green.
Right knee pressed
into an orange sunset.
Hands and feet ashy.
Blame arctic water washing.
Sandpaper throat too parched to speak.
Crooked back bowed into its new black moon.
Tired bones eek softened creaks, cautious now, hidden
in the ochre cushion of a moonlit oasis palm.
(c) Samiya Bashir
Reprinted, from Where the Apple Falls: poems (RedBone Press, 2005).
Topics/Categories:
poetry apple love black woman lesbian environment body
Genre:
Best Sellers:
May 2008 Poetry Foundation Bestseller list
Type of Work:
Publishers:
Awards:
Lambda Literary Award - Finalist
Purchase From:
Small Press Distribution
Amazon
Original Publish Date:
May 30, 2005
Publishing Notes:
“Samiya Bashir writes bravely and beautifully from the inside out. We are fortunate to have her blazing, graceful poems in this fine first collection.” —Elizabeth Alexander “Of all the poems in Where the Apple Falls, not a one is overwrought, pretentious or half-stepping. Each is stunning, smart and real. To read this book is to eat an extraordinary fruit, licking its juices all the way.” —Cheryl Clarke
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