The Definition of Place

“Horton defines intimate places in the American epic of the Great Migration, opening the tender spaces that define these lives as real. He announces a life after work in motifs spanning the culinary and the pugilistic. Springing from an imagination that admires Joe Louis for bringing it all home, this is an honest and admirable beginning for a poet, a collection full of integrity.” —Afaa Michael Weaver, Poet and Playwright Alumnae Professor of English, Simmons College “People will find their way to Randall Horton’s poetry the way they find their way to church. Fifteen pages into The Definition of Place and you’ll stop and catch your breath. Horton’s poetry makes you want to trace your fingertips across the words. He writes like he is a contender for heavyweight poetry champion of the world. Read, praise and jab.” —E. Ethelbert Miller, Director African American Resource Center Howard University “In this sweeping poetic drama, Randall Horton deftly manages the tangled intricacies of family, race, unbridled love and the stark moments of violence and regret that can define a lifetime. Real people — fallible, impulsive, doubting and fiercely determined souls — pulse in these pages Hellip; Horton’s lyrical touch blesses them with both history and heart.” —Patricia Smith Author of Teahouse of the Almighty (National Poetry Series Selection)