"Native Guard" by Natasha Trethewey

"Native Guard" by Natasha Trethewey is a poetry collection that explores themes of racial history, identity, and personal memory. Through nuanced portraits and reflections, the poems examine the legacy of slavery, the experiences of African Americans, and the complex ways history influences individual lives. Trethewey blends historical context with intimate storytelling, revealing how the past shapes present understanding. The work honors those who served as guard soldiers and highlights the ongoing struggle for racial justice, while also contemplating personal identity within a shared history. Overall, it offers a profound meditation on memory, race, and resilience.