Audacity Book Club: February Read

By Nic Daniels

Welcome back, audacious readers, and happy Black History Month! It’s all Black content and all Black creators all month long so make sure to tune in and enjoy. Last month, we discovered the power of unintentional legacies with The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova. This month, we’re revisiting a previous favorite with the poetry volume Excuse Me As I Kiss The Sky by Rudy Francisco.

Sometimes, the best way to capture life is to highlight the quiet moments and Rudy Fransico is back to do just that with his third poetry volume.

In Excuse Me As I Kiss The Sky each section of this volume, Francisco explores different types of poetry he previously hadn’t tried. This includes the classic ode, an ancient form that celebrates everyday experiences, and a contrapuntal, two separate poems that can be read together as a new, third poem. Of course, you can expect a section of expertly crafted love poems to round everything out (happy Valentine’s Day!). By exploring these new forms, Francisco not only shows his versatility but also acts a s a remind for every creative to never stop exploring your craft.

Thoughtful and rhythmic, Excuse Me As I Kiss The Sky is a love letter to self-reflection and growth. This book is available wherever books are sold and through the publisher, Button Poetry. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you at the end of the month for the full review.

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!