Above Ground: Poems

Why I recommend it

These poems make room for the joy of raising children and the fear of the world they’ll grow up in. Smith writes about Black life, family, and ordinary moments with so much care.

What stayed with me

Loving a child means delighting in who they’re becoming while worrying about what lies ahead. Both feelings can be there at once.

Who it’s useful for

Poetry readers, parents, and anyone looking for room to hold joy and grief together.

A tension or limitation

Parenthood is at the center of this collection. Give the poems time; they build on one another.