In June 2021, I embarked on what was supposed to be a 12-month sabbatical to
breathe life into a new poetry book. Two years after extending the sabbatical to a
reflective 14 months, my poetic journey has yielded a project close to my heart—my
chapbook, Thick Black Lines. When I initially set out, I intended to craft a full-length
poetry book. However, the creative process had different plans, teaching me valuable
lessons about art, patience, and the profound role of the artist as a vessel. Traveling
through the arid deserts of Arizona, the vibrant seas of Curaçao, and the historic
tapestries of Washington, D.C., I absorbed the beauty of oceans, seas, trees, art,
landscapes, people, and stories, each moment etching its mark on my creative soul.
Oh, The Places I’ll Go!
Embarking on my sabbatical, the red hues of the Arizona landscape stirred my
creativity. Sedona, Scottsdale, and Phoenix became my poetic sanctuaries, where the
vast mountains whispered stories and saguaro cacti stood as silent composers under
the desert sun. From the arid Southwest, I found myself surrounded by the rhythmic
beats of the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic. The vibrant culture, azure waters,
and the warmth of the people infused my verses with a newfound energy. A pause in the
journey led me to the southernmost point of the U.S. – Key West, to the Studios of Key
West. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the tranquil island ambiance and the
whispers of the spirits of the enslaved peoples buried at Higgs Beach fueled my
contemplations on life and the Black experience in America.
Moving north, the rich history, academic ambiance, and legacy of literary giants in
Amherst and Boston awakened a new depth in my poetry, painting verses with
intellectual tones. The picturesque landscapes of Cape Cod offered a serene backdrop
for introspection. The ebb and flow of the Atlantic inspired verses that danced with the
rhythm of the tides. Amidst the urban hustle of Providence and the artistic pulse of
Washington, D.C., I found a symphony of city life. Museums and monuments became
metaphors, and the cacophony of voices inspired verses that mirrored the heartbeat of
a nation. The brilliant colors of Curaçao's architecture and the crystalline waters
provided a vivid palette for my words. Each alleyway and beach became a canvas for
poetic expression, capturing the essence of this Caribbean gem.
Good Things Take Time
Early on, it became apparent that this project wasn't one to be rushed. The poems
themselves became my guides, asserting their authority over the timeline. In this
realization, I discovered that the essence of the work demanded a chapbook
format—compact yet potent, allowing each verse to breathe with intention. The journey
of creating "Thick Black Lines" illuminated a sentiment often shared among poets—the
artist is a vessel for the art. This surrender to the creative process became a liberating
and enlightening aspect of my artistic evolution. "Thick Black Lines" emerged as a labor
of love, a testament to the emotional landscapes traversed during the sabbatical. The
chapbook's focus extends to Black people's experiences, with a particular emphasis on
the nuanced perspectives of Black women. Themes of race relations in the pandemic
years, grief and loss, and systemic oppression are interwoven throughout the verses,
creating a tapestry of shared experiences.
Thick Black Lines
I'm thrilled to announce that Finishing Line Press released Thick Black Lines on June
28, 2024. The journey from concept to publication was insightful, and I invite you to join
me in celebrating this milestone. Thick Black Lines is more than a collection of poems; it
reflects shared humanity, a mirror held up to the complexities of our world. Watch my
Charting New Paths interview with Daffney Moore to learn about Thick Black Lines. It is
also CMG’s Book of the Month for August 2024.
Written by:
Christie A. Cruise, PhD
Author. Educator. Advocate.
[email protected]
www.christieanncruise.com
IG: @christieanncruise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christieanncruise
