This is my first completed read of 2023 and I could not be happier. Above Ground is rich in its offering of poems that accomplish profound impacts. One of my favorite parts was how even though it's for the kids, he doesn't tone down language, instead allowing his voice to take a soft tone that allows for children to read and understand but without shying from complex ruminations. There were a few poems that were a gut punch. In almost every single one, to not say all, there are glimpses that took my breath away and left me in awe. Clint's craft continues to dazzle and inspire. I am honored to have gotten to read an earc of this book, and thankful to Clint for his vulnerability. Onward! <3

PS. There is also lots of humor in this book!! :D

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and tender all at once. I will read everything Clint Smith writes. His poems have such a clarity yet complexity to them. More than a few of these poems brought a tear to my eye. I will definitely be using some of the poems in my classroom.

When I see Clint Smith's name as the author, I automatically gravitate to the work, and Above Ground is no different. The entire collection of poems read like a love song to a beautiful life; it included moments to treasure and moments that break your heart.

While many poems resonated with me, there were three that I will continue to go back to: "We See Another School Shooting on the News," "Punctuation," and "When Standing in a Cabin at the Whitney Plantation."

The line that stands out to me the most: “I fear everything I cannot control and know that I control nothing.”

I enjoyed most of the poems in this book. I really liked Smith's style and his description of his joy in being a father.

This is an incredibly sweet collection of poems about young fatherhood, sometimes about the fears a Black father can have for his Black children growing up with today’s risks, but it is mostly a universal book about the discovery and joys of raising young people.

One question I have is how this fits into the range of parenthood poems—would this same book have found as phenomenal a publisher if it were written by a woman? This is not an accusation so much a piece of conversation—there is a great many mother poets in this world, whereas having more work about Black fatherhood is needed in a very different way.

I appreciate the measure this voice has—there is a great balance between the small moment observed and the perfect detail.

I am collecting titles for a grant for poetry books for a poetry library in my high school classroom, and this is an ideal fit—these poems are understandable and relatable. It would make an excellent gift for the general poetry reader or someone who wants something lovely to dip their toes in.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

There is so much to like about this compact but impactful collection!

Smith's poems are so accessible, which is a prime reason why they'll be showing up on my syllabi immediately, but more importantly, they're so moving. Many of the entries are just the most charming gifts to his children, wife, and other family members. Smith has a knack for capturing both snapshots and entire personalities in small spaces, and I kept thinking about how wonderful it will be for his children, especially, to connect with these as adults (or even young adults). I also love the emotional and tonal variety here. There are very serious, somber poems ("Your National Anthem" really got me), and there are those that are more light-hearted and humorous, including but not limited to "Dance Party" and "Ode to the Double Stroller." There are also some fantastic time capsules (like "Zoom School with a Toddler"). Truly, there's something for everyone, and the plain language and conventional choices make Smith's work available and palatable to folks who might not necessarily be attracted to poetry collections as a general rule.

I expected to enjoy these as an incoming fan of Smith's but was still surprised by how much I did. I can't wait to teach these.