Wade in the Water

Wade in the Water is Tracy K. Smith's fourth poetry collection, published in 2018 during her term as U.S. Poet Laureate. The book contains historical documents, letters from Black Civil War soldiers, and found texts woven into original verse. The poems move through time periods including the Civil War era, the present day, and imagined futures. Smith incorporates voices of African American soldiers, contemporary observations, and meditations on motherhood and faith. The collection takes its name from the spiritual "Wade in the Water," which held coded messages for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. Smith examines American history, race, and justice while drawing connections between past and present struggles. The work contemplates how history lives in the present moment, asking questions about identity, belonging, and what it means to be American. Through varied forms and voices, Smith creates a meditation on survival and transformation in times of conflict.

Readers note Smith's poetry collection resonates through its exploration of American history, race, and injustice. Many highlight the section featuring letters from Black Civil War soldiers and freed people seeking loved ones as particularly impactful. Readers appreciate: - Clear, accessible language that remains profound - Blend of historical documents with contemporary themes - Strong emotional impact without being heavy-handed - Powerful portrayal of both personal and national history Common criticisms: - Some poems feel less cohesive than others - A few readers found certain sections too abstract - Historical documents section challenging to follow for some Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (180+ ratings) "The poems hit you in the gut while maintaining their beauty," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader on Amazon writes, "Smith makes history intimate and personal without diminishing its weight."

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🌊 Tracy K. Smith served as the 22nd U.S. Poet Laureate from 2017-2019, making her one of the youngest poets to hold this prestigious position. 📜 The book's title comes from an African American spiritual that was used as a coded message by Underground Railroad conductors, instructing enslaved people to travel through water to throw slave catchers' dogs off their scent. 🏆 "Wade in the Water" won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in 2019, a prize that specifically recognizes works that contribute to our understanding of racism and cultural diversity. 📝 Several poems in the collection incorporate historical documents, including letters from Black Civil War soldiers and their families, creating what Smith calls "found poetry" from these primary sources. 🎭 The collection explores not only historical trauma but also contemporary issues, including a powerful sequence about the Flint water crisis, connecting past and present struggles for environmental justice.