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In this poetry collection, readers walk through Brooklyn and Tar Beach and then take a journey through a series of personal memories. Even youth’s fleetingness receives attention. In other poems, the speaker reckons with the “man in the mirror” as time alters his appearance and memories of the past come rushing forward. Journeys end, and journeys begin, and nature becomes a center that holds by providing “The right way to proceed / Along the proven path.” In other poems, life and death play tug of war as a merciless driver kills innocent animals, and the driver’s reckless actions offer an introspective look at life’s fragility. By the collection’s conclusion, the speaker shares what makes him happy, which serves as an inspiration to others to look at nature and embrace the simplicity it offers.
In this book, readers meet a wise speaker willing to share observations about the world around him. Each poem is crafted in a simple form that allows readers to access the poem easily. Vibrant images make each poem seem like a photographic snapshot. Other verses encourage readers to find the muse where they can and to continue “Living in the mind of words” because poetry is a means of survival. Thus, reading these poems is like taking a visual journey through the speaker’s life and experiences. The voice in this collection is genuine, and the conversational tone quickly draws the audience into the poems. For those new to poetry, this book is an accessible way to begin exploring the genre.