Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon:

RAWSISTAZ

In her first volume of View from the Middle of the Road, author Lucinda Clark took readers on a journey through life in poems. In volume II, Clark actually took to the road and found poets in different areas of the United States to showcase their talents in an anthology that covers their life experiences. The topics covered include love, life, politics, death, chocolate and spirit.

In his appropriately titled section, Makal Ani, a native South Carolinian, poignantly speaks from things of the heart in eleven poems. One of my favorites, "When She Cries", gives a look at how sharing in a relationship should be; when one suffers, the other does also. Another favorite, "Lustful Haikus", tells the difference between lust and love.

In her section, Lucinda Clark, a native of Pennsylvania, showcases her own poems that tell of different aspects of the American life. The first is the one that catches my eye; "A Times Table Tale" tells eloquently how we get time, how we use time and then it gently nudges you to reflect on the choices we have made.

In the third section, Robert Ward, a native North Carolinian, engages us in thoughts of the spirit. "Victory of the Spirit" captures the essence of the battle waged between good and evil every day. He poetically puts into words what many may miss in the Bible--the Word of God is your weapon against the enemy; believe in it, mediate on it and use it.

New Yorker Toni Quest composed the fourth and final section of the anthology. Her section, "trips the light fantastic" contains poems that are short and upbeat. Her first poem is called "Chocolate," which covers her love for it and captures my attention right away. There are not many women who can't relate to the love and seductiveness of chocolate.

View from the Middle of the Road, Vol II U.S. in US offers an intense look at life from some relatively new poets on the literary scene. In this compilation, Clark has given each one a chance to shine. I was enthralled by this collection of poetry that I found at times humorous, reflective and empowering. I believe lovers of poetry will find this a nice addition to their collections, as well as introduction to some new works on the horizon.

Book listings with libraries can be found on WorldCat.org