Wade in the Water

Poet laureate Tracy Smith's steady and deliberate narration has a sort of automated-sounding rhythm that works. Her poetry collection addresses both contemporary and historical issues that the United States has faced and continues to face. In a slightly pleading tone and unhurried pace, Smith unfolds the disheartening experiences of an African-American soldier in the Civil War and an immigrant being mistreated in the present day. Her works revolve around the theme of visibility and invisibility. While the tone of her narration may offer delicacy in her depictions of our nation, her words themselves are hard and concrete. A profound collection. T.E.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine