Although the subject matter and style of these poems are quite varied, the overall theme is that, while we are individual and isolated, we are more together than we realize, sharing common experiences. The four sections include poems about loss of identity; the significance of places; the universal appeal of poetry; civil rights,; African American contributions; a group of very original poems based on sacred music interpreted from the contemporary urban African American perspective; aging; friendship; and familial and romantic love.
Haunted by her physical likeness to an aunt who died before she was born, the author developed an early sense of identification with Octavia, feeling almost as if she were her aunt reincarnated. Many of the poems are based on old family letters and photographs and information gleaned from the author’s visit to Guthrie, OK. Following the poems are family photographs and biographies. Octavia was co-winner of the 1988 Creative Achievement Award sponsored by the College Language Association and the subject of a documentary film, A Poet’s Voice (Vander Films), which won a Gold Apple Award of Excellence from the National Educational Media Network. Octavia was also made required reading in all Detroit public high schools.
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