Hello! I was searching around to see if I could find any of Helene Johnson's early short stories (no luck) and I came across your fascinating Substack. This is a lovely collection but I believe that "Mother" is by Helene Mullins; correct me if I'm wrong. I love the Harlem Renaissance poets. I also like what you've presented on Gwendolyn B. Bennett — who was a true Renaissance woman!
Thanks so much for reading, and for your comment! Yeah, I love both Johnson and Mullins, and the Harlem renaissance poets in general - lots more posts on them to come :-) As far as I am aware "Mother" is by Johnson, originally published by Opportunity in Sep. 1926. Here's the reference: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015004953173&seq=291 :-) I also did a whole book of Mullin's work, which is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1991310005 Yeah, Bennett is a gem! It was such a thrill to put together a book of her work, and that also includes her short-stories.
It seems I was mistaken, thanks for that reference. It has such a different feel from her other poetry so that may have been what threw me ... and as the author of Mullins work, you're the expert. Thank you!
Yeah totally. Ah, I am definitely no expert, and always welcome corrections - I am sure I miss things. Tbh - I was worried I had made a mistake haha. Yeah, as far as I know no-one else has done a book of Mullins work - it was a really exciting collection to put together. :-)
After further searching there may not be any short stories, but I'm looking forward to looking through the book that gathers all her poems and correspondence, This Waiting for Love (2000). Thank you for highlighting women who shouldn't be forgotten!
Yeah - my research did not turn up any short-stories by her :-) Though, as I said above, Gwendolyn Bennett did publish at least two short-stories, and Helene Mullins did a fascinating poem/play. :-) Such a pleasure! Thanks for reading.
Some lovely poems here, Dick. I wonder if the collar in Futility recalls Herbert’s “The Collar”. I don’t know much about Johnson, but I imagine Herbert would have been well known at this point, at least in CofE circles, and “The Collar” is a strikingly rebellious poem.
Helen Johnson's work illuminates her prescience and confidence. I would love to have had lunch with her -- or a drink -- to discover how far past the pen her bravery ventured.
Yeah, same - sounds like she would have been a great person to have a drink with. I think as a 19 year old African American woman in the 20s who moved to New York, to hang out with cutting-edge poets and artists, she was likely an incredibly brave person. ;-)
Hello! I was searching around to see if I could find any of Helene Johnson's early short stories (no luck) and I came across your fascinating Substack. This is a lovely collection but I believe that "Mother" is by Helene Mullins; correct me if I'm wrong. I love the Harlem Renaissance poets. I also like what you've presented on Gwendolyn B. Bennett — who was a true Renaissance woman!
Thanks so much for reading, and for your comment! Yeah, I love both Johnson and Mullins, and the Harlem renaissance poets in general - lots more posts on them to come :-) As far as I am aware "Mother" is by Johnson, originally published by Opportunity in Sep. 1926. Here's the reference: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015004953173&seq=291 :-) I also did a whole book of Mullin's work, which is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1991310005 Yeah, Bennett is a gem! It was such a thrill to put together a book of her work, and that also includes her short-stories.
It seems I was mistaken, thanks for that reference. It has such a different feel from her other poetry so that may have been what threw me ... and as the author of Mullins work, you're the expert. Thank you!
Yeah totally. Ah, I am definitely no expert, and always welcome corrections - I am sure I miss things. Tbh - I was worried I had made a mistake haha. Yeah, as far as I know no-one else has done a book of Mullins work - it was a really exciting collection to put together. :-)
After further searching there may not be any short stories, but I'm looking forward to looking through the book that gathers all her poems and correspondence, This Waiting for Love (2000). Thank you for highlighting women who shouldn't be forgotten!
Yeah - my research did not turn up any short-stories by her :-) Though, as I said above, Gwendolyn Bennett did publish at least two short-stories, and Helene Mullins did a fascinating poem/play. :-) Such a pleasure! Thanks for reading.
Oh, holy, holy, "Futility" is so great—that parlor/collar near-rhyme is brilliant.
I know right! What a poem. Hadn't noticed that near-rhyme - but now that you point it out, damn - even more of it to enjoy. Cheers Sherman.
Some lovely poems here, Dick. I wonder if the collar in Futility recalls Herbert’s “The Collar”. I don’t know much about Johnson, but I imagine Herbert would have been well known at this point, at least in CofE circles, and “The Collar” is a strikingly rebellious poem.
Yeah, hard to say? Interesting connection though. Hadn't read the Herbert poem before - dig it. :-)
Yeah, it’s kinda awesome isn’t it. 🙂
Totally! :-)
As I was reading, I was getting the flavor of Hughes, especially in "My Race", and "Futility".
Thanks for sharing her words!
Absolutely - they hung in the same scene together, and you can definitely feel the cross-influence in those poems :-)
Old pine got my heart 💛
Awww, thanks Fotini 💛
Helen Johnson's work illuminates her prescience and confidence. I would love to have had lunch with her -- or a drink -- to discover how far past the pen her bravery ventured.
Yeah, same - sounds like she would have been a great person to have a drink with. I think as a 19 year old African American woman in the 20s who moved to New York, to hang out with cutting-edge poets and artists, she was likely an incredibly brave person. ;-)
Love Johnson’s “Futility,” and your poem is exceptional, Dick, especially that final “rattling” line!
Yeah, Futility is a banger for sure. Aw thanks Paul - that means a whole bunch - really really appreciate it! 💜