The poems in Still Water amplify and illuminate the old saying “Still waters run deep.” First and foremost, these are poems about people, relationships, and self-discovery. These poems are like street maps, interconnecting families, tribes, communities and celebrating those routes that link her to each. For me, reading this book was an experience of the holy – the holy Black, the holy Native, the holy Lesbian, brought into the realms of daily life and work. ( )

Stunning. I know Gomez through her Gilda Stories, some of which are near-perfect. But her poetry, I was unprepared for such breadth of references literary (Audre Lorde, Gertrude Stein, Angelina Grimke, Tracy Chapman, Tennessee Williams, Gil Scot-Heron), cultural (Eleanor Bumpers, Sally Ride, Cellini), and political (Biden, Trump, Loving v. Virginia). And more: there are odes to streetcars, to a buckskin dress, to a restaurant (which is so superb, you can see, hear, feel the movement in every line). Every poem is deeply felt and gorgeously written with surprises in every stanza. The book feels like a meditation on the people, books, traditions that make Gomez who she is, a lesbian poet of color ("I love writing the words: / A coloured lesbian" p.46), of Native ancestry. There is such real feeling here, such wit and intelligence, such unexpected turns. This reminded me of June Jordan in its passion and political engagement, but, really, this book is one of a kind. ( )

Poetry with purpose. Each poem includes the inspiration, which I really enjoyed. It captures the sentiments of many. The poetry is precise and accessible while also poignant and powerful. A lovely collection. ( )

I don't feel qualified to evaluate the poetry in this collection but it is diverse, recording love, loss, friendship and the kinship of womrn. ( )

Still Water by Jewelle Gomez is wonderfully accessible with many layers of meaning, and this is a very good thing! The poems are a beautiful combination of social commentary and intimate truths. This is definitely a collection I will read over and over because I know I will see something new each time I read it.
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