Black Man's Tears: A Poetic Witness to Invisibility, Inheritance, and Becoming

Black Man’s Tears is a powerful and lyrical collection of poetry exploring the inner and outer lives of Black men in America. Through five deeply reflective movements, poet and pastor John David Smith weaves themes of identity, fatherhood, faith, fear, silence, survival, and resilience.These poems bear witness to generational pain, spiritual strength, and the complexity of manhood in a world that often misreads or ignores the Black male experience. With language that is both unflinching and compassionate, Smith invites readers into moments of lament, memory, protest, and praise.Structured like a sermon—moving from reflection to revelation—Black Man’s Tears speaks to those who have been silenced, misjudged, or unseen. It offers not only catharsis, but connection. These poems are not just meant to be read; they are meant to be felt, taught, and carried.Ideal for readers of spiritual poetry, social reflection, and cultural commentary, this collection also includes a reflection guide for book clubs, classrooms, and community discussions.