Maurice Skillern's
"Messages"
Book Reviews
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Heather Covington of Disilgold (Disilgold@aol.com),
from DisilgoldSOUL Magazine Online!, 02/01/2008
Messages is a POETRY BOOK you will read and enjoy from beginning to end!
A real poet of our era arrives!
With a forever increasing population faced to live in a fast paced world, poetry offers a haven for sophisticated readers to slow down life and exercise one's mind with the brilliance of words from someone else's perspective other than our own. In fact, most people will go through their entire adult onset lives having never read a poetry book or poem, thus explaining why one may not have found the formula of true inner success. There is simply nothing more successful that sharing one's love of poetry, quoting their favorite author or mentioning a poetry book as their favorite text of all time. Poery breeds inner intelligence, self-appreciation, sustenance and awareness of the world we live in so one can conquer it and obtain the joys in life. Thus, a poet arrives in 2008 withstanding all of the messages that poetry is back in spiritual form! An insightful depiction of a candlelight vigil of Black people in silent and peaceful protest with hands reaching out beckoning for hope, triumphantly resounds with poetical brilliance, strength, pride and everlasting appeal in Maurice Skillern's poetry masterpiece simply entitled, Messages: Reflections of Being. Lines like, 'I've made love to the fires of a thousand suns' in the poem 'The Road Most Traveled,' (page 81) eloquently set the tone for a fine poet of our era whose mighty writing pen cleverly plays with words like sweet melodies to your ear that will capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Well crafted short poems challenge readers to question issues of neo-slavery, race relations, religion, war, inner pride and global circumstances among black cultures along with beautiful artistry intertwined in this work sure to be a documented testimony of one of the most promising poets on the rise! If poems like Beauty's Return (page 26) grab your attention with lines like, 'A flower I have graciously seen, and heart wrenchingly I did learn, love's not to be taken if so it will tarnish and with only freedom will its beauty return' than poems like 'Final Victory,' and 'Home' will gravitate your attention! As told from a soldier poet's perspective, you will see the world in a different light according to the world of Maurice Skillern, a name in poetry you will never forget. 'A BREATHTAKING POETICAL MASTERPIECE HAS ARRIVED!' Stop for a moment and read a poetry book with relevance to all of our lives!
______________________________________________________________________________________________Book Review:
MESSAGES, by Maurice Skillern
Theresa S. Kearns, PsyD
Most times we find literature that moves us by perusing through the bookstores or looking online...seeking those hot titles. Yet, there are times when books land in your lap or in this case in my email. A month ago, I received an email about a book that is poetic and philosophically based. I was told that this book would be of interest to IB readers. Well, first a smile went across my face because the concept that IB's voice and readership was being recognized took me back for a moment. However after getting a glimpse of the material, I thought this author was correct in his assumption. Skillern's book, Messages is about life through the eyes of a Black man. His poetic inferences sears at the heart when you think of the experiences this individual has lived. His desire to share his wisdom flows freely through his book.
Each chapter represents life, its emotions, its trials and tribulations, worldviews and many of the perceptions felt by our brothers and sisters. It speaks of compassion, of consequence, and the responsibility one should have for the actions taken. This book delves into spirituality yet it does not push religion, merely gives you a perspective about the higher power that exists for Skillern. Through the pages you see transcendence from wisdom gained through life experience. Thoughts on topics such as love and race pulsates bringing the spoken word alive. Page after page, this book evoked many emotions that always is merely at the surface. For we have much to say, but keep such thoughts under our breath; Skillern deemed it necessary to share those thoughts with the world.
I found this to be more than merely a book, but a journey so to speak of a man's life and his perceptions. His expression exploded over and over again. I give this book two thumbs up...definitely worth reading.
Theresa Kearns
Inspiring Beyond
http://www.inspiringbeyond.com___________________________________________________________________________________________
Book Review: MESSAGES, by Maurice Skillern
Linda King, MBA, CEO. Diamond Eye Design
Poetic-Philosophy is just one way to describe the pieces in “Messages”, written by Maurice Skillern. I was fascinated, moved, and astonished with the words written in this book. The views of one man’s journey through life, has touched my mind, in such a way, I could not bring myself to put this book down.
Messages, reflections of being, is a book worth rushing out and purchasing, reading, and placing it on the reference shelf of your book collections. It truly is a book you will find yourself coming back to over and over again, for the well verse pieces and the intriguing quotes.
So, if you want food for thought, passionate words to touch your heart, and movement in your soul, pick up Messages, reflection of Being, by Maurice Skillern, it is definitely worth the read.
Diamond Eye Design
Linda King
http://diamond-eye-design.com_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Book Review: MESSAGES, by Maurice Skillern
Bryant K. Marshal, CEO. Passkey Entertainment
As CEO of Passkey Entertainment I have worked with many talented individuals….artist, entertainers and writers. Yet I was truly, uniquely touched, by this writer works. After reading Messages, Reflections of Being, written by Maurice Skillern I found myself pondering not what is, but what could possibly be. Initially, one of my employees, purchased Messages, and insisted I read the book right away. After reading Messages, I felt familiar with many of the pieces that were found within the book.
I continue to cite some of the pieces in my daily life, Messages, is a book you will take with you, long after you have read it. If you have a desire to reflect within yourself and view the open ponderings of one man’s thoughts, read Messages, and you will walk away a better person for it.
Passkey Entertainment
Bryant Marshal
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Book Review/Comments: MESSAGES, by Maurice Skillern
John D. Evans, Author/Founder "The Evans Poetry Collection"
Dear Brother Skillern:
It is my prayer that you are enjoying a productive, yet peaceful holiday season. Happy New Year! We have a lot in common. Like myself, you have accepted a charge to capture and to publish those thoughts, ideas, and works of literary art that are the direct result of a connection with the divine. I have studied inspiration through a self-discovery the muse (the persons, places, things, and ideas that are created to inspire). Thank you for being a muse. Continue to educate and inspire.
I enjoyed reading the poetry posted on your site. I loved the concrete imagery used to tell of a poets’ rise from despair to a realization of the divine in RAPTURE. The journey that you capture is epic. I appreciate the style and form that you used. I enjoyed the closing line the most, “Evil shall know it’s final fall.” Great job!
MOTHER touched me on a personal level, in that, I, too, lost my Mother (November, 2004). The words were simple, yet profound. The use of repetition resonates. It was a heart-warming read. The conversation that is weaved into the piece makes it epic, dramatic, and narrative, a great literary piece. Again, the closing line captures the essence of what the entire poem was about – Mother – it was about love.
Respectfully yours,
I am, John D. Evans Author / Founder
The Evans Poetry Collection www.jdpoetry.com____________________________________________________________________________________________
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