 |
Poet and thinker Manning offers this collection as the second in his neatly named series, Time 2 MANning Up. The opening work takes the theme expressed in the book's title, addressing white Americans and asking why they expect respect from blacks but do not give it in return. He warns of further protests if blacks lack constitutional rights and concludes with this ironic prod: "What are you afraid of? / That all will be treated the same / For you to be treated like blacks / Now that would be a shame."
Other vignettes—"The Pain of Being Black" and "Just Another Black Man"—examine similar topics. Other pieces range into family life, personal self-esteem, the blessings of marriage, and a strong religious outlook. Some articulate philosophical and religious ideals to live by, wisely advising, for example, that a man should strive to be one he would like his son to become and one he would hope his daughter would marry. In addition to the need to overcome the distressing black and white gulf in American life, a persistent theme is confidence: "Live life and do not let it live you."
Manning, who served in the military and pursued a career including business administration and leadership, is also a sports coach and, clearly, a wordsmith and philosopher. His message will appeal to young black men especially, urging them to set and fulfill high practical and spiritual goals. His poems incorporate lively rhyme, clever twists, and genuine, smile-invoking humor. The variety of ideas arrayed, including prose aphorisms called "Earlisms," further proves Manning's acumen. The inward striving stressed throughout expresses and often supersedes the black/white issues. Manning's words have consistent motivational power, reaching out firmly to all thoughtful, sensitive readers in a wide variety of circumstances.