A Speed Education in Human Being

"These poems, this book, has hardwood floors, beautiful lines and doors and windows. They are built from organic steel and marble paper. Step between these pages and into a house-no, a village-that love built and decorated with keepsakes from all over the alphabet."
- Frank X. Walker, author of Affrilachia and Kentucky Poet Laureate

"In this vibrant first collection, Shayla Lawson skillfully defines being human(e) as giving thanks to the nuclear and extended family and making a sincere effort to understand/honor/be closer to those things that are greater than ourselves. Lawson turns language and vision upside down, takes our hand, and fearlessly leads us to witness."
- Mitchell L. H. Douglas, author of \blak\ \al-fəbet\