Pink Persephone, 2023, oil, 16 x 20 in. / 40.64 x 50.8 cm.

Pink Persephone, Mechele Shoneman, 2023, oil, 16 x 20 in. / 40.64 x 50.8 cm.

Color speaks volumes in Rita Dove’s poetry. As the first black poet laureate and potent mother figure, this piece honors her inspired, slightly subversive voice in the context of a powerful, direct gaze. Part of what draws me to Dove’s work is the lyrical use of color as a literary device.