Ishmael Reed is an American poet and songwriter. He’s also known for his satire, essays, and novels. His best work is Mumbo Jumbo, published in 1972. His work deals with cultural themes and often features African American perspectives. Some collections include Cab Calloway Stands in for the Moon or D Hexorcism of Noxon D Awful, A Secretary to the Spirits, and The Reed Reader.
‘Beware: Do Not Read This Poem’ by Ishmael Reed is a thoughtful poem about culture and how language is used to tell stories. The poem warns against becoming too consumed within one method of storytelling.
‘Untitled’ by Ishmael Reed is a short, precisely worded poem that connects the sale of the Alaskan territory in 1867 to the British plundering of Jamaica.