It's not often that a poet sneaks up on me. It's not often I pick up a poetry collection unaware of what to expect or the experience I'm about to have. However, this was the case as I began my journey with "Birds of America: Poems" by award-winning poet Chera Hammons.

The journey begins with an acknowledgement of trauma, an awareness of how it lingers in who we are, how we live, and the world around us. It is from this foundation that Hammons gives us "Birds of America," a literary journey grounded within the natural world yet also flowing throughout the human experience and the aftermath of trauma.

It has been quite some time since a poetry collection has really grabbed me, yet "Birds of America" demanded my attention early on and never let it go. There wasn't a poem that didn't somehow move me. There wasn't a word or a vision or an image that didn't somehow immerse me in this world that Hammons creates.

"Birds of America" leans in so beautifully to Hammons' words as she explores both interpersonal and planetary violence, yet also the remarkable beauty and connection and wonder that continues to exist.

So often, I became aware of how Hammons was writing about trauma or drama or dark experiences, yet somehow within the words and the images I wound find peace and beauty.

Accompanied by the illustrations of Sophie Lucido Johnson, "Birds of America" paints a portrait of hope and connection and fierce devotion to love and living, tenderness throughout the trauma and all the glory that makes us who we are.

There's a brilliance here I can't forget. Even as I sit here myself reflecting and writing, I'm lost back in this world created by Hammons and the wonder and absolute power of the poetry she has created. "Birds of America" is destined to be one of the truly memorable poetry collections from 2026. I highly recommend it.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic