The Birth of All Things

Summary

Marcus Amaker is the first Poet Laureate of Charleston, SC. He's an accomplished musician and spoken word performer. The audio version of The Birth of All Things is an eclectic mix of new, original poems in Marcus' own voice.

“Once, in 2001, I heard a poet read a poem that turned to music in the air. Two decades later Marcus Amaker’s gorgeous new book is that moment on repeat, with each turned page. A mixtape of presence, The Birth of All Things is a genuine, lyrical offering to our heart’s expansion. To write in celebration while refusing to ignore grief, is a skill few artists have mastered, but it is mastered here. I am so grateful for the bonfire of light this book has brought into my world.”

— Andrea Gibson, world-renowned poet and author of Lord of the Butterflies (Button Poetry)

“A text for living, The Birth of All Things is a joyous collection with the breath of Amaker’s newborn daughter running through. Despite the current chaos of our times, these poems conjure a world filled with magic and music that centers us and keep us brave. A necessary collection: Organic, generous and life-giving.”

— Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, author of Arrival (Northwestern University Press), and mother of Phife (A Tribe Called Quest)

This personal collection delivers poems about a wide range of topics: Life as a new dad, racism in America, Björk, anxiety, Star Wars, masculinity, pandemics, black music, history, and more. Amaker is an award-winning graphic designer, musician, and performance poet. The Birth of All Things is the sum of all of his talents. The book features Amaker’s handwritten poems, and an original illustration from Florida artist Nick Davis.