Jordan is a poet for many people, speaking in a voice they cannot fail to understand about things they will want to know. [Passion] elucidates those moments when personal life and political struggle, two discrete elements, suddenly entwine…. Her far-ranging sensibility produces intelligent, warm poetry that is exciting as literature, but even more rewarding as one woman's testimony for change.

Susan Mernit, "Poetry: 'Passion: New Poems, 1977–1980'," in Library Journal (reprinted from Library Journal, December 1, 1980; published by R. R. Bowker Co. (a Xerox company); copyright © 1980 by Xerox June Jordan 1936– © 1982 Nancy CramptonCorporation), Vol. 105, No. 21, December 1, 1980, p. 2501.