Invocation to Daughters (City Lights Spotlight No. 16)

Barbara Jane Reyes invites readers into a vibrant exploration of identity and feminism through her experimental poetry, drawing inspiration from groundbreaking figures such as Audre Lorde and Theresa Hak Kyung Cha. This work melds the personal with the political, resulting in a deeply resonant collection that speaks to the experiences of daughters—both literal and metaphorical.

Through eloquent language and inventive form, the poems celebrate the strength and resilience of women while grappling with the complexities of cultural heritage and social expectations. Reyes's voice is both a call to action and a tender embrace, urging readers to reflect on their own identities in relation to the broader narrative of womanhood.

In melding tradition with modernity, she crafts an imaginative tapestry that reclaims the power of language for marginalized voices. This collection serves as both a tribute and a challenge, inviting a new generation of readers to engage with themes of empowerment, intersectionality, and the ongoing journey toward liberation.