Magnolia Leaves (1897) is a collection of poems by Mary Weston
Fordham. Published toward the end of her life, Fordham's only
collection appeared in print with an introduction by Booker T.
Washington, who saw in its author an undeniable gift which could
prove "[t]he Negro's right to be considered worthy of recognition
in the field of poetic effort." Meditating on such themes as
morality, labor, maternity, liberty, and faith, Mary Weston Fordham
displays not only a mastery of poetic form, but a hard-earned
wisdom and talent for observing life in all its forms. "With hands
all reddened and sore, / With back and shoulders low bent, / She
stands all day, and part of the night / Till her strength is
well-nigh spent." In "The Washerwoman," Fordham depicts a woman
whose life on earth revolves around labor, for whom life after
death means the promise of hard-earned rest, to "be found on the
other shore." While many, if not all, of Fordham's poems revolve
around Christian imagery and themes, some, including "Chicago
Exposition Ode," "Stars and Stripes," and "Alaska," reflect on the
promise of freedom and liberty in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Her poems strive to depict the diversity of nineteenth century
America, such as in "Atlanta Exposition Ode," which celebrates the
end of war and the coming together of former slaves, Union
soldiers, and Confederate forces alike. "Song to Erin" and
"Highland Mary" depict the immigrant experience, while "The
Cherokee" mourns the murder and displacement of America's
indigenous peoples. In sixty-six poems, Mary Weston Fordham distils
the experience of a lifetime and the wisdom of one who has
experienced loss and found the strength to move forward. With a
beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Mary Weston Fordham's Magnolia Leaves is a classic
of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.
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