Where the Ancestors Keep our Names: A Book of Poems

Where the Ancestors Keep Our Names is a moving collection of poems that explores the intersections of ancestry, faith, Black womanhood, motherhood, social justice, love, and the natural world. In these pages, Francia McCormack weaves together personal reflection and collective memory, inviting readers into a journey of healing, resilience, and remembrance.Rooted in a deep reverence for the Earth and the wisdom of those who came before, these poems honor the voices of ancestors while confronting the realities of the present. From quiet moments in gardens, forests, and mountain landscapes to meditations on racial injustice, grief, motherhood, and spiritual awakening, McCormack's work bears witness to both suffering and hope.The collection celebrates the beauty and complexity of Black life, the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters, and the courage required to continue dreaming in a world often marked by division and loss. Throughout, nature serves as teacher, companion, and guide, offering lessons in transformation, renewal, and belonging.At once intimate and expansive, Where the Ancestors Keep Our Names speaks to readers seeking connection-to family, community, the Earth, and their own inner wisdom. These poems remind us that the stories of those who came before us continue to live within our bodies, our memories, and our choices. They call us to listen deeply, love boldly, and remember that we are part of a larger story stretching across generations.For readers of contemporary poetry, eco-spiritual writing, womanist literature, and works exploring ancestry, identity, and healing, this collection offers both solace and inspiration.