Publisher's Synopsis
"Ras Poems" presents a body of work that tries to delineate Rasta as well as present a vision of the movement for the future. As is usual of a Nigel Daring book on Rasta, it also includes poems of spirituality and motivation. The reader will get a sense of the struggles, rewards, definition, and direction of Rastafari from absorbing the words contained herein. Rasta has come to mean many things, but common themes still abide. "Ras Poems" focuses on them to effectuate Rasta values in a palatable way to the world at large. Rasta people in a generic sense will be able to identify with it, but the general public will get insight into Rastafari and its concerns. One distinguishing feature of this book is the way it envisions Rasta in parallel dimensions to the wider world, whereby it sees Rasta adopting beneficial facets while maintaining its uniqueness and independence. It projects Rasta as developing self-sufficient communities within and outside of society. It imagines Rasta taking advantage of modern technology to improve itself and tighten its community in firmer unison, such that it develops as a more coherent body. Where original Rastas detested modernity as mere Babylon and shied away from participation, this book embraces contemporary notions and Rasta participation to the degree that it is self-serving. But it limits its advocacy to securing benefits, not losing identity in the scheme of popular culture. The public reading this book can see where Rasta is valuable in giving advice based on its precepts. Meditation, fasting, exercise, reading, prayer, proper diet don't just benefit Rasta. Those are great tools for personal development. They may be germane to Rasta culture and ideals, but society at large can profit, even by osmosis of Rasta presence in and around it. All in all, this book presents Rastafari in its proper honor as it imagines its possibilities. One who reads it will feel privileged to have done so. This book, along with other Nigel Daring's books on Rastafari, unveils the culture and inveigles respect for it.
