“Convincing the Body is not where poetry is headed, it is where poetry IS,” says Patricia Smith of Cheryl Boyce-Taylor’s third book of poetry. Lush, edgy, sparse and elegant, these poems are not merely written, but lived. Divided into six movements, this work unflinchingly addresses injustice, war, sex, love, and hope. There is nothing random or predictable here. “Redemption shines like light through pinholes. This collection revels in the language of promise, the poems are ways of understanding our times and our lives,” says Bill Fogarty. Boyce-Taylor stakes her pen in the vein and calls us out. “She don’t tek no mess,” says Cheryl Clarke.

More praise for Convincing the Body:

“Cheryl Boyce-Taylor is a heroine of language. In her nurturing hands it lifts from the page like a musical note, filling the air with aroma and sound. In Convincing the Body, Boyce-Taylor takes any fixed notions which remain past page one and bursts them open like a ripened fruit when taken between the teeth. In the end there is nothing but flavor, rhythm and ecstasy - sweet, sweet ecstasy!” Samiya Bashir, author of Gospel

“Cementing her reputation as one of our creative treasures, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor has wrapped her soul around these poems. The poet’s vision is boundless, her rhythms addictive. This is not where poetry is headed - this is where poetry IS.” Patricia Smith, author of Blood Dazzler

“In today’s difficult times - warring, consumptive, suspicious - the poet speaks stronger, harsher, and more stunningly precise than ever before. There’s seriousness here, a gorgeous sharpness.” William Fogarty

“Cheryl Boyce-Taylor don’t tek no mess. In Convincing the Body she makes us a generous offering. And we accept. Sexy, political and encapsulating of what we know and do not know of our current times.” Cheryl Clarke, co-editor of To Be Left With The Body

“Reader, beware - do not enter these poems unless you are ready to partner with them, the Poet and Reader as Lovers. This is the work of a poet at the peak of her powers.” Bob Holman