Poetry. African American Studies. I love the poems of Quintin Prout. Strong in clarity and spirit, fluent and supple, rich with fresh breath, tender truth, and more than one kind of music, these are delicious words to sing. Words to wake up by, indeed, to share with one another gratefully. A landmark volume of precious reminders: we are alive, even the trouble is sweet (Naomi Shihab Nye). Quintin Prout was born and brought up in Providence, Rhode Island, where he edits Spoken Jazz Press. His first collection pays homage to his Cape Verdean heritage and evokes a sense of community -- of friends, family, poets and musicians, whether living or dead. Nobe, Nobe / trouble all around her, / trouble in the pots / and pans. / and no one, / no one will marry / her daughter (Nobe's Kitchen).