Foreword

With the creative visionary consciousness of Gordon Parks and the finesse of Renoir, this body of art is painted with a beautiful variety of vibrant literary colors that Jason Reynolds vigorously splashed on an anxious canvas. Short and sweet, the blatantly intrepid title of his first collection of poetry, "Let Me Speak" says and does exactly what he intended. Reynolds' collection is explosively powerful and imaginative, covering every thinkable and/ or unthinkable thought, situation, or emotion a human being could ever possibly experience. From the plagues of social illness to the vivid expression of the intimate love for his mother, Jason takes us on an incredible voyage that bears no difference to an adventurous tourist vacation. Even though Jason's only request was to merely speak, in this work of art one will witness him doing a lot more that simply spilling large buckets of sloppy rhetoric. Whether he is aware of this reality or not, Jason Reynolds exposes traits of his dynamic character through his writing. In reading "Let Me Speak," Jason's concern and compassion for others is candidly displayed in poems such as "I Am a Junkie" and "Exodus Now." The latter piece provides a clever metaphor between the bondage of Hebrews in

Egypt and the modern-day bondage drug abuse has on our society. He parallels Moses (himself) in the behest to Pharaoh (the drug dealer) to let his people go. Not only is Jason compassionate, but he also provides healing words of hope and encouragement in his views on spirituality and being proud of whom God made us to be as unique individuals.

Jason Reynolds has a carousel of admirable attributes in which we could compliment him on for the remaining entirety of this book in addition to another volume to follow - however, the think I dig most about this man (being an artist myself) is his indelible wit. He generously sprinkles this spice throughout the collection. I'm particularly struck by poems like "Play The Whole Tape," "SONrise," and "A Rubber Slaves Promise," to name a few.

Jason is amazing with his wordplay and I soundly warn readers to be sure you have the time to read this when you pick it up, because it is so enthralling and mind-capturing that you may find yourself lost in time, missing any appointment you previously wanted to keep.

His style and artistic disposition is fresh, well blended and unmatched by many. I am even bold enough to proclaim that this young man is without a doubt in a poetic class of his own. Reynolds is not afraid to let the world know he has something to say and will be heard.

This young word prodigy not only stands to be noticed, but kicks over the soapbox to make even more noise, standing out beyond the rests. Blazing crowds with or without microphones, with or without stages, and most of all with or without proper recognition, nonetheless Jason Reynolds will speak his mind. Bottom line, "Let Me Speak" is certainly a timeless collection of writing one would keep on the same shelf as the "Good Book" and all other references of guidance and inspiration.

Well, I've said enough and I think I have completed my job in preparing you for the awesome adventure you are about to experience. With the honorable privilege and permission, I invite you into the scripted thoughts of Jason Reynolds in "Let Me Speak."

Enjoy! - David Ross (Native Son)