| A Lily in the Valley is a collection of poetry. Its title is borrowed from a Negro spiritual. The phrase is a metaphor for individuality in general; it is also an acknowledgement of that remnant of poets and prospective readers who, in an increasingly secular American society, still consider religion to be a vital influence on their moral compass. The first two sections of the collection, entitled "This Little Light of Mine" and "Short Stories," are concerned with the individual's struggle with the demands of faith and the ways in which faith can affect one's view of the world. Several poems in these sections also address the process of writing. The collection concludes with "R & B Poetry," a grouping of love poems inspired by love songs and relationships. |
