Review: "Small Cures" is a Poetic Balm for Stressed Out Souls
By Kendra Hale
In Small Cures, Della Hicks-Wilson shares her collection of poetry that invites readers to tend to and navigate their woundedness. Dedicated to “the unhealed” and her mother, the poetry reads as soothing, explorative, nurturing, and intimate. She divides her poems into three parts: “Diagnosis,” “Treatment,” and “Recovery.” Her artistry with word flow unfolds into journeys through heartache, loss, grief, boundaries, love, life lessons, and beyond.
Photo of poet Della Hicks-Wilson
Part of the magic in her poetry is the way in which it sent me to a memory, a desire, or a forgotten wound that needed watering to name a few of the inner journeys sparked by her words. Hicks-Wilson’s written voice organically spurs personal reflection and reminders of our interconnectedness to humanity and earth. The poetry continuously blooms as it travels through notes of love, tender advice, and healing. Trees, land, the ocean, moon, and sun; Hicks-Wilson weaves it all in tenderly. At times, her pieces begin with “Darling” or “Honey” as if directed to a friend or loved one. A Black British poet of Caribbean descent, Hicks-Wilson’s book powerfully transcends borders as if sending a special letter to Black people everywhere.
This small cure from “Treatment” is one of many that has settled into my heart:
Twice before sunrise, soak
in deep, deep love with yourself.
stay, long enough to cleanse the wounds
beneath the wounds you cannot see.
they are the ones that need it the most.
Book Cover: Small Cures by Della Hicks-Wilson
As I was reading this book, it left me yearning for a written deeper dive from the author regarding what experiences in her life spurred this range of snapshots in the form of poetry. The very nature of her poetry is that there is an intimacy to its core and in the imprints of these pages. To have an elevated sense of the themes or experiences on her path would have built upon the already intimate power of the collection itself. I am looking forward to seeing what other art this author births into the world of poetry as it has certainly left me seeking more.
I believe this collection of poetry is a perfect read for anyone seeking healing through literature, those who may be doing the inner work to extract negative narratives that impact self-esteem or anyone who is looking for a soft place to land after a stressful personal event or week. I firmly believe this poetry would be especially significant for Black people across the African diaspora to read. With the compounding trauma we hold and endure as a community, this collection offers love notes, sincerity, encouragement, and a sensitive, soulful, comforting voice.
Hicks-Wilson’s collection is timeless, applicable to any chapter, soul, or lifetime. It can be picked up at any time and shape-shift in new ways. The way it feels to experience her poetry is like when sunlight kisses my melanin -- there is warmth and a sense of being soulfully held and seen. It is nothing short of medicine in poetic form. This sacred offering of “small cures” shares great power.
SMALL CURES. Della Hicks-Wilson.
2020. Della Hicks-Wilson: 186 PAGES. paperback $ 15.99
About the Author
Kendra Hale finds joy in spontaneity, music, international adventures, nature, volunteerism, and BIPOC-centered community spaces. Writing has long been the modality that encourages her to dream beyond the conventional. She is fiercely committed to Black liberation, healing justice, and anti-oppression.
What poetry collections have you read lately? Leave a comment with a title you love!