Home Work – A Collection of Poems

Story Behind the Book Cover
Originally unbeknownst to the author and book cover designer, Blue Starfish Virtual Solutions, LLC, the honeycomb symbolizes the link of honeybees with the American slave trade and represents the author’s small business brand incorporating a worker bee. 

Home Work A Collection of Poems Sparked by One White Woman’s Journey on the Matter of Race will bring readers into the heart of the author’s expedition into the study of racism and social justice electrified by Harriet Tubman’s heroic flight to freedom.

“This book is a compilation of poems written as a result of lessons and home work assignments while a participant in the course, On The Matter of Race: White People Committed to Beginning the Journey Together, Level 1,” stated St. Clair. 

“My mother reminded me I won entry into a published book of poetry as a young adult. Poetry writing was dormant until my first homework assignment in conflict resolution coach, Lynne M. Hurdle Price’s course, On The Matter of Race. Instead of sentences and paragraphs to convey my thoughts, poetry answered the homework questions posed.”

A portion of proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to The Harriet Tubman Monument, Beaufort, SC until monies are raised for installation.

Note From the Author
Thank you for visiting this page and/or reading the book of poetry. If you enjoyed the book, had any a-ha moments, or gleaned meaningful takeaways, I invite you to leave a review online or wherever appropriate. Available for virtual book clubs or cameo readings. Contact Melissa. Spoken Word readings: Open Mic (stage). Open Mic (Zoom).

I grew up like a neglected weed, – ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. Then I was not happy or contented.”

Harriet Tubman to Benjamin Drew, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, 1855

About the Author

Melissa Whiteford St. Clair hails from picturesque Harford County, Maryland. She married her high school sweetheart and for the next 30 years, home was where the U.S. Marine Corps sent them. Reflecting on the history of her home state and the history of her time spent in the lowcountry set the framework for this groundwork.

Resources & Related Reads:

Make a beeline to White Girl Advocacy

Course: On The Matter of Race

The Tubman Command: A Novel

Trouble The Water

Pat Conroy Literary Center

Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation

Home Work on Pinterest

JustFaith Ministries

Unity Mural, Beaufort, SC

VIDEOS:
My Journey Through The Matter of Race

Unboxing! Home Work chapbook unboxing

Interview: Susie L. McMahon Virtual Book Club 9.14.2021 | 4.20.2022

Interview: The Empowerment Duo 4.27.2022

The Brave Little Blog: Harriet