Author(s): Rudy Francisco

Poetry

Language so often fails us. In his highly anticipated follow up to Helium, Francisco has created his own words for the things we cannot give name to. English is the shiniest hammer I own, but it's also the only thing in my toolbox. Nolexi noun no-lex-i - \ nō-lek-si \ Definition of nolexi: 1: a word or phrase that does not exist or has nodirect translation in a particular language I'll Fly Away uses Francisco's invented lexicon as the palette to paint an intimate portrait of Black life in America -- one that praises joy and grace without shying away from the hard truths confronting all of us today.