“Grateful” by Latisa R. Robinson

Reading Latisa’s poem, “Grateful,” I am struck with the fact that the form and the context of the poem are very appropriate for each other. I can really picture this poem printed out on yellowy textured paper in a frame. Both the shape and the context of “Grateful” seem very much like a prayer. This point is driven home, starting with the last stanza on the first page (stanza 8) with the emboldened text and the fact that the author directly addresses her higher power. I think it is effective to turn from talking about “Jesus” to actually calling out, “Jesus[,] I know you are able.” I think the rhyme scheme (with the second and fourth line of every stanza rhyming) is appropriate for the subject matter and the overall feel of the poem; however, sometimes I feel like it is a little bit forced. I also think that regularizing the meter, which I realize would most likely be very difficult, would help to tighten up the poem. I like that the author makes it clear that there is a change in direction in the last three stanzas of the poem by using bold text. I am wondering if there is another way to make this clear, though. Maybe a bigger gap? Or perhaps some sort of dividing marker—like sectioning the poem into two sections, marked with something like roman numerals, or just like an asterisk.