Henry Jones

Henry_Jones Run into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo is Henry L. Jones’ first book of poetry. Within the 132 pages, Jones takes a reader on a trip using rich imagery about his response to the world. As an imaginative child, the poet would stare at people and admire their features. Their lives fascinated him. Now, he transforms himself into many people whether traveling back in time during the American slavery era or to today when Blacks still cope with the dual identity in this country.
He becomes them and then writes their stories. Some of the poems are detailed in an epic style, and many are frank. The book’s title was inspired when he noticed many Black people who still wish to run from themselves; they don’t want to be Black. He understands why. He believes that self love and respect with cultural knowledge will end some of the self-hatred.
He becomes them and then writes their stories. Some of the poems are detailed in an epic style, and many are frank. The book’s title was inspired when he noticed many Black people who still wish to run from themselves; they don’t want to be Black. He understands why. He believes that self love and respect with cultural knowledge will end some of the self-hatred. henry_jones_book_cover
These 110 poems echo that message in subjects such as Blackness (racial identity), love & relationships, spirituality/religion, community issues, and freedom.
Jones removes the layers which separate us and shows us an inner depth of what it means to be human and Black. Using poetry he seeks to understand and provide a healing force for the plight of Black people.
The book is biographical and historical as he openly shares his words with candor and insight. He takes you to the event and speaks on the moment as though he lived the experience.
From that event the emotions feed him to feel the joy, pain, or loneliness which his characters felt.
Jones believes the experiences within Run into Blackness possesses universal moments that anyone can see and feel. Join this provocative poet as he blends the soulful ingredients of urban and Southern worlds together. They make a delicious gumbo.