As a follow-up to her 5-star debut book "Things I've Been Meaning to Say", When She Speaks: A Collection of Words and Thoughts (Volume 2) is Ms. Whitted's second collection of poetry. This work dives deeper into views of life, culture, and faith. It is a testament to the importance of communication, the necessity of the truth, and the power of our words. In this work, Ms. Whitted uses her poetic wit to view the world from a woman's perspective. Keeping in mind that life and death lie in the power of the tongue, A review of When She Speaks "While the focus of the book is partly on what it is to live in a black skin, there are universal pieces and much of general interest. You will learn something from the experiences in this work...For a scary piece, turn to Jungles. Then, Black Mother's Plea, which should be required reading in grade school. We (myself, that is) don't always get it: how difficult it can be to be visibly different." (Jim Bennett - The Kindle Review) Enjoy a piece from this collection, entitled "A Recipie For Pound Cake" "You said that I hooked you with my sweetness.
It was Mama's tradition passed down to me.
She said,
"Sweeten it with soul,
sift it with spirit,
then again for good measure from the heart.
Add your wisdom slowly,
keeping it warm for consistency,
then blend it with skill and experience.
Make it special with your sass.
Purify it with a prayer.
Line your pan with passion and fill it with care.
Be patient as the fire turns it into what it should be,
and be vigilant so that you time it perfectly."
So shortcuts weren't an option,
at least not for me.
Homemade in the kitchen -
thick and sweet.
Maybe you were right.
I hooked you with my sweetness.
It was Mama's tradition passed down to me.
But to tell the truth,
I wouldn't have done it differently." (c) 2015 - Amber Whitted, all rights reserved
