Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive

The Japanese word ' koan' is a seemingly unanswerable riddle used by practitioners of Zen Buddhism to trigger spiritual enlightenment and understanding. Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive is a vibrant genre-busting collection of voices, observations and memories that trigger nostalgia of a lost time, lost neighborhood, lost city. Cagney masterfully weaves together monologues, documentary-style narratives, and keen observations, offering a profound glimpse into the lives and stories that shape this unique community and beyond. From direct door-to-door salesmen and flirtatious phlebotomists to rotary telephones and an appreciation of clotheslines, each poem serves as a window into the heart of the Bay Area, capturing the raw beauty, struggles, and curious triumphs of its people. Cagney's words resonate with authenticity and depth, making this collection a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of urban life. Experience the power of poetry that transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal human experience. Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive is a journey through the soul of a community, told with unparalleled honesty and grace.

Author: James Cagney
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Black Lawrence Press
Published: 07/15/2025
Pages: 114
Weight: 0.32lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.28d
ISBN: 9781625571625