Poetess Willie Mae Crump kicks off inspirational book tour

The public is invited to the signing of a stirring book of poetry entitled “Rhymes for Reasons: A Personal Journey of Prose and Prayer” written by Willie Mae Reid Crump. The event will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Allen Temple AME Church, 232 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock, Ga. Attendees will be able to purchase personalized, autographed copies. The signing begins a poetry reading and book tour throughout the U.S.

Crump, 68, whose signature mark is a butterfly, exhibits her own metamorphic change through poetry. She said it has been a long journey to her home in Roswell, Ga. from her birthplace of Pelzer, S.C. where a language arts teacher gave her the confidence to write.

“What the caterpillar thinks is his life’s very ending, the butterfly knows that it is just the beginning,” are lines from poetry which mark Crump’s latest adventure. “I think of that in terms of me,” Crump said. “It is just the beginning for me.”

Crump’s voice is lyrically sweet, and her 92 pages of poems are written from inner joy. “This book uplifts the spirit, encourages the heart, enlightens the mind, and brings enjoyment to the soul,” said Rev. Carl A. Moore, Sr., senior pastor of Allen Temple AME Church which is hosting the event.

Over a 25 year span, Crump felt compelled to write poems for birthdays, funerals, calls to ministry, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Friends encouraged her to get published so others could be blessed while reading her prose.

A strong church leader and community volunteer, Crump often makes gift baskets for the sick and includes poems in card form which have become tidbits for her new book. “One of my most heart-wrenching poems was written for my mother’s home-going,” Crump said. “She really loved my poems.”

This word weaver’s rhymes flow easily. They are highly descriptive, uncomplicated yet emotional, and devoid of hidden meanings. They are truly delightful as is the tenor of her performance of them. “The way the English language is written, you can make almost anything rhyme,” Crump continued. Kindness and honesty are her specialties as is storytelling.

“I grew up in rural South Carolina right outside Greenville. I loved words. I was placed in an oratorical contest in the 11th grade, and I won. That gave me a boost, and I thought I might have some potential! I could write poems easily. It was never cumbersome or difficult.”

Crump said it is very important to be positive, especially in these times. “The world is in such a state of disarray. People are so involved in their own lives that you have to encourage yourself.” She is strongly rooted in the Word of God and knows where her strength originates.

She did not write the standard query letter to publishers but decided to take the self-publishing route. She stepped out on faith after attending a Spiritual Gifts class. “What a testimony you can give to unbelievers,” is from one of her favorite poems in the book.

Dr. Yvonne Beckles-Thomas said of the book, “In a world rife with struggles, this book of poems will give people a chance to step away and remember that with God, life can be simple and good.”

Crump is a witness to the power of God’s favor, hard work, and creativity. Her next venture is a children’s book based on a squirrel she loved and helped tame with the help of her siblings while growing up.

For more information on this event or to schedule a book signing and poetry reading, contact Ms. Crump at 770-993-0594 or via email at lcrumpjr@bellsouth.net.

Photos from the event - ©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.