It is our pleasure here at "A Poetic View" to honor poet, I. Renai Collins during the 2012 National Poetry Month this April. She is truly anointed to write unto the Lord and it is an honor to know such a precious vessel of God.
Renai Collins grew up in Palm Beach County, Florida where she began
the journey to becoming an award winning poet. For fourteen years, she
made her home in Plano, Texas and it is there that her poetry began to
receive the notice that it deserves.In 1995, Ms. Collins received a
Special Merit Award from the Ninth Annual Iva Mary Williams National
Inspirational Poetry Program. The program, which is sponsored by Cooper
House Publishing and Poet Magazine honored Renai for her poem, Can’t,
Can’t Be. Renai was also heralded by the Plano Star Carrier newspaper
for her outstanding poetry.
Upon her return to Palm Beach County,
Renai immersed herself into the area and continued to write and perform
her phenomenal poetry. She started the Junior Poets of Palm Beach County
in 1997 and served as vice-president of the Poets of the Palm Beaches
from 1997 to 2001. In 1998 Palm Beach Magazine named Renai’s Open
Mic Poetry
group one of the top 25 best things to do from Boca Raton to Vero
Beach, FL. In the April 24, 2002 issue of the Palm Beach Post, columnist
Linda Haas wrote of Renai’s outstanding poetry in an article titled,
Poet Tries to Inspire, Plants Positive Seeds with Her Words.
In
addition, Renai served as Poet Laureate and hostess of adult and
children’s poetry events for Barnes & Noble, Book-A- Million,
schools, libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs along with numerous churches.
Renai is a member of the American Academy of Poets and the American
Christian Writers Association. Her book Can't, Can't Be was released in November 2009. You will also find her poetry on Cross Way Publication
www.christianpoetry.org “Proclaiming God’s Promise Through Poetry”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee & Poet I. Renai Collins Presented the 1st Annual Poetry Contest January of 2011
Book Reviews:
All
too often, we are inundated by negativity from the world around us. The
stories of war, poverty, cruelty and sadness can threaten the resolve
of even the most determined optimist. But I. Renai Collins’ poetry
shines with a hopefulness that touches us deeply. She writes from the
heart about the essence of our lives – family, beauty, and yes, love.
Yet, this is not a collection of poetry that ignores the darker side of
life. In “Remember Me,” the protagonist demands that her legacy be one
of humanity, not perfection, and in “Colors,” Renai recounts the tale of
a teenage victim of gang violence. However, even when Renai writes of
pain it is covered in the grit of survival; we are left with no doubt
that, although
one’s past have yielded disappointments, the future offers goodness and
light. In “Solid,” Renai writes: “Know my past/I do/my future/now I
face/my roots are/firmly planted/I cannot/be moved.” It is this
determination to be optimistic that sets Renai’s poetry apart; it is
this determination that makes Can’t, Can’t Be a unique pleasure to read.
- Africa Fine Author of Katrina, Becoming Maren and Looking for Lily
I
continue to be amazed at the power of the word. Whether written or
spoken, words can and will change your life. I. Renai Collins
understands the power of the word and she has put her words to use in
the form of poetry that will grab you from the very moment that you open
her book. You will confront “Fear,” but you will refuse to let your
“flame… be snuffed out before it is lit.” As you near the end of the
book you will “transcend greed…and your eyes be opened by the truth,
never to be blind again.” When
you close this book after reading it the first time, although you will
read it many, many times again, you will know without a doubt, that
“what you dream really can come true.” Let the words change your life. -
Steve White Publisher, Protective Hands Communications
Product Description - Amazon
Can't,
Can't Be is a book of poetry by award winning poet, I. Renai Collins.
Her poetry covers all aspects of the personal life experience. Renai
takes you on a journey of your past, remembering those life changing
experiences with your mother and grandmother. She explores the intimacy
and the hurt of male, female relationships. She helps the reader
visualize a brighter day and a better world. You will transcend the
moment.
