Religion
Religion and spiritual beliefs are key motifs in Forman's poetry. Her poetry is informed by her own religious beliefs; for example, in "Prayers like shoes," she describes her relationship with praying, and how it is something she has done since she was young.
These hips
In "These hips," Forman celebrates her voluptuous hips, comparing them to "ripe plums." In this poem, she presents hips as a symbol of femininity and beauty. Through this symbol, she promotes female body positivity.
Stand up
In the poem "Stand" Forman uses the metaphor of standing up as a symbol for challenging injustices in society. In this poem, she speaks specifically about people who do not openly and actively challenge racial prejudice and injustices. She asks "why do afraid to stand up? Someone will tell you sit down?
Shoes
"Prayers like shoes," is a poem in which Forman compares her daily prayers to putting on her shoes. It is part of her routine and has become a habit almost like putting on shoes. Her poem opens with the simile "I wear prayers like shoes," and explores this idea further as the poem progresses.
