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Cedric L. Jones began publishing at an early age after being invited to attend The Young Writer's Conference in Columbia, S.C. while in High School. Since that time, he has been featured in numerous publications. His first collection of poetry, I Wear the Colour Green, was published in 2008. His new collection, We Whisper (and other poems) was released in June of 2014.
In addition to poetry writing, Jones is a New York City entertainer and playwright.
Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite
We Whisper: And Other Poems is a touching collection of poetry by a gay black American author, Cedric Jones. Cedric is a talented writer and several themes are addressed simply and poignantly. The poem “I am more” is a stark and beautiful work where the author counteracts racism, evidence of his belief that reaching his loving heart will show the world what he is. This itself is a key intent of the book – awareness of the common human experience that transcends racism and homophobia.
To appreciate Cedric’s inimitable style, you will need to read the poems yourself. One way of explaining the style is that it is raw, heartfelt and deep without being pedantic. The poems have sass, sharpness, wit, courage and love. Flavoured by the black collective spirit, several poems have a unique quality of being able to hold a crowd’s attention if read aloud and also get feedback. Cedric is a bold writer and a natural poet. Each poem takes on its own tone, style and intent, and there are a range of memories, sentiments and experiences encapsulated here.
Cedric’s profound social commentary is an important genre in a time when poetry is rarely used as a popular vehicle for disgruntled sentiments. Being a soulful poet himself, he points cynically at masks and delusions, and he is a disappointed but confident observer. He digs the truth out with ease and is a master in the eloquent art of ridicule. He shakes up the injustice around him, demanding more virtue and demanding equal rights. He is boldly spiritual and this theme is interwoven in several poems, but above all he fights oppression on all fronts. We Whisper is a lot more than a whisper – it’s a gutsy read for those who are interested in awareness of the thoughts and courage of the troubled and oppressed.
