Kimberly LaRocca - A Black Girl's Poetry for the World

A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World

By Kimberly LaRocca

 

 

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, KNOW YOUR WORTH,

BE WHO YOU KNOW YOU WERE MEANT TO BE

--New Collection of Poetry Celebrates Personal Pride and Life Challenges

 

Don’t be scared to let go.

make your move.

You’re right where you need to be.

Don’t be afraid.

Do what you say.

That moment is meant just for you

To make your move.

From “Making Moves”

 

            Kimberly LaRocca knows all about challenges, the ones we can’t control, and those we create. She also knows about standing tall and staying proud, no matter what.

            A teenage mother who had her first child at age 17, LaRocca didn’t allow her situation to define her, or let her to fall into societal stereotypes. She graduated with her high school class and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree. Author of the new book of poems, A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World, LaRocca boasts an unshakeable belief in the power of pride, self-determination, and fulfilling personal potential.

            “I believe in karma, and my approach to life is straightforward yet powerful: I treat others the way I want to be treated,” says LaRocca.  “I could have let myself be defined by what others think, but I simply refused to let that happen. I surely created my own challenges in my life, but I refused to stop believing in myself.”

            While celebrating self-determination and human pride, A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World also presents insightful poems exploring all aspects of the human experience. From lost loves, strained relationships and the difficulty of forgiveness to raw anger and intense sexual desire, LaRocca ‘tells it like it is’ and literally bares her soul in her poetry.

            “I find writing and poetry cathartic and empowering,” adds LaRocca. “I understand my style may be subject to literary criticism, but I also believe others will find valuable meaning to which they can relate. Poetry is beautiful because no one can deny your words, thoughts, dreams, and fears.”

 

“Poetry Lives Here”

 

A door has opened for me.

Inside that room lives poetry.

 

It invites me in,

Says take a seat,

And offers me its words to eat.

 

It embraces me.

Then takes my coat.

Then sings to me

In special notes.

 

It comforts me.

Says stay awhile.

Encourages me

With its warm smile.

 

It offers me a place to stay.

And says Please come back any day.

 

I am your friend,

It says to me.

I open up.

It sets me free.

 

Kimberly LaRocca is an avid reader and writer and has written numerous short stories, poems, and songs. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management degree from St. Petersburg College. Kimberly lives in Florida with her husband and four sons. Reply to the e-mail address above for a limited copy of the book for review consideration or to arrange an interview.

 

Website: http://klarocca2010.wordpress.com/ 

 

A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World can be purchased  on Amazon:  Kindle Version Here and Print Version Here as well as a host of other retailers.

My Review:

I don't usually buy poetry books. I like poetry but have a preference for stories.  So I tend to pick up a poetry book at the library when I am in the mood for poetry. I do own a few poetry books - I have an Edgar Allen Poe, that has a published date from somewhere in the 1800's, (it's put away so I can't get to it at the moment for the actual date), it's small and has only about 40 or so pages on strange paper, (instead of one page like we have now it seems to be folded), that I love - treasured because it was handed down to me. I do enjoy poetry and tend to go back to the books I own and read through at odd moments but it is not something I usually run out and buy. I can honestly say A Black Girl's Poetry for the World is a poetry book I would be likely to buy. Ms LaRocca writes with feeling. Many of her poems spoke to me. Some evoked memories and some opened longings in me. I received this book last month and read it when I got it. I chose not to write my review immediately because I needed to see how it played for me. Even though the poetry touched me I needed to see if they were poems I would return to. I have favorites, Missing You, Trust, The Choice and my most loved one - My Son Shines. There are more that I could count among the favorites. Ms LaRocca writes of love and life; couples,friendship, faith, anger, abuse, truth and betrayal - it is all here. Words from her heart, words that ring of honesty. She writes from experience of experiences and feelings we all have. I have returned to this book multiple times. I recommend A Black Girl's Poetry for the World and give it 5 stars. I'm sure it will speak to you. More of Ms LaRocca's poetry can be found on her blog, Kimberly's Page.

* I received a copy of the book for review purposes from the author. The review is my honest opinion of the book. I have received no compensation for the review.*

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