Last Rights
by Marvin K. White
The poems collected in last rights portray caring, humanness, family
or kinship, humor, despair, ordinary problems and unqualified love as they
occur in the everyday lives of homosexuals. With the quiet dignity of these
poems Marvin K. White challenges us to consider how homophobia may distort
what we behold. —The Washington Post
ISBN-10: 0-9656659-4-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-9656659-4-0
Specs: Softcover,
138pp.
Price: $14.00
Pub.
Date: October
2004
Cover art: “Bread of Heaven” © 2001 by Michael Ross
Cover design: E.M. Corbin
Praise for Last Rights
There’s no denying that well-written poetry feeds the spirit. Beautifully composed words can rise up from the page like the scent of freshly baked sweet potato pie, its aroma causing the brain to beg for more. Luckily, there exist a number of poets writing today whose words hold a delicious power (Lucille Clifton and Nikki Giovanni spring to mind), words that make you want to lick your fingers after the ruffling leaves of the book have been closed. One such poet who harkens to be a part of this finger-licking-good clan is Marvin K. White. In his recently released collection of poems entitled last rights… White testifies to the reader about the beautiful, and ugly, lessons he has endured simply by being a black, gay man in the U.S. His book reads like a poetic sermon, one that bubbles with the hot fire of redemption.
—White Crane Journal
White’s poems are rippling with humor, bitterness and acceptance. He tells the story of what life is like now, how to be black and gay with AIDS pounding into his world; and still he manages to speak of his dreams in true believer’s fashion.
—Windy City Times
last rights is a powerful, passionate collection of verse that explores the essence of what it means to be black and gay. From homophobia in the African-American community to the double-barreled rage which comes from being a double minority, White’s prose often leaps from the page in red-hot explosions, but it also exhibits heartrending tenderness when paying tribute to friends, lovers, parents, and community. It is an unforgettable combination.
—Venus Magazine
