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Of Indigo and Saffron: A Journey Through Poetry and Culture

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Of Indigo and Saffron: New and Selected Poems

by Michael McClure

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	656 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	341 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Of Indigo and Saffron is a vibrant and eclectic collection of poems that celebrates the richness and diversity of human experience, culture, and creativity. The collection weaves together a tapestry of voices, perspectives, and emotions that explore the complexities of our shared humanity.

A Tapestry of Voices

One of the most striking features of Of Indigo and Saffron is its inclusivity. The collection features poems from poets of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These voices come together to create a chorus that celebrates the beauty and complexity of our differences.

In "Prayer for the World," for example, poet Imtiaz Dharker writes:

May all the prayers of all the faithful rise, a great wave breaking over the heads of the powerful, over the heads of the poor, over the heads of the hopeless.

Dharker's poem is a powerful plea for unity and compassion, a reminder that we are all connected, regardless of our race, religion, or creed.

Exploring Culture and Identity

Of Indigo and Saffron also delves into the complex relationship between culture and identity. Many of the poems in the collection explore how our cultures shape our sense of self and our place in the world.

In "My Grandmother's Hands," poet Li-Young Lee writes:

My grandmother's hands were works of art, brown and lined as an old tree

Lee's poem is a moving tribute to the legacy of his grandmother and the cultural traditions she passed down to him.

Celebrating Creativity

In addition to exploring culture and identity, Of Indigo and Saffron also celebrates the power of creativity. Many of the poems in the collection are inspired by the arts, including music, dance, and painting.

In "Ode to Jazz," poet Nikki Giovanni writes:

I love the way jazz makes me feel like I can dance on the rooftops of my dreams

Giovanni's poem is a tribute to the transformative power of jazz music, a reminder that art can inspire us to dream and to believe in the impossible.

A Journey of Discovery

Reading Of Indigo and Saffron is like embarking on a journey of discovery. The collection opens our eyes to the beauty and diversity of human experience, culture, and creativity. It is a journey that will stay with us long after we finish reading the last page.

About the Author

Of Indigo and Saffron is edited by poet and anthologist Amit Majmudar. Majmudar is a professor of English at Ohio Wesleyan University and the author of several books of poetry, including Partitions and The World Is No Longer Flat.

Photo Of Amit Majmudar Of Indigo And Saffron: New And Selected Poems

Amit Majmudar, editor of Of Indigo and Saffron

Majmudar's passion for poetry and his commitment to diversity are evident in Of Indigo and Saffron. The collection is a testament to the power of poetry to connect us, to inspire us, and to help us understand the world around us.

Of Indigo and Saffron is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, culture, or the human experience. It is a collection that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, a collection that will continue to inspire and challenge you.

Of Indigo and Saffron: New and Selected Poems

by Michael McClure

4.8 out of 5