"Let Mark Anthony Thomas tell it--- he’ll
be his generation’s Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, or
Nikki Giovanni. Nevertheless, if you read The Poetic Repercussion:
A Poetic & Musical Narrative, you might agree."
PUBLICATION: South Jersey Courier-Post/Living
“(The Poetic Repercussion) is "music for your
eyes" from an outstanding young talent. Thomas describes
this book (his second) as a "poetic and musical narrative."
He's right: It has the funk of the blues, the sweetness
of R&B, the spirit of jazz and the infectious energy
of hip-hop, along with some serious literary swerve.”
PUBLICATION: Crossroads Newspaper
"In The tradition of noted Harlem Renaissance poets
like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Jean Toomer, 25-year
old Mark Anthony Thomas is quickly distinguishing himself
as a culturally diverse poetic griot."
PUBLICATION:
AUC Magazine
#9 on Top 30
PUBLICATION: Cleveland Crusader News
Recommended Book
PUBLICATION:
Rolling Out Magazine Recommended Books
PUBLICATION:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Feature
PUBLICATION:
Time Magazine
PUBLICATION: Las Vegas Review-Journal
PUBLICATION: Urban Spectrum April 2005
Recommended Book
"When I attempt to describe this work, terms
like lyrical, rhythmic, controversial and triumphant come
to mind...Mark uses his poetic voice to narrate through
the gamut of social issues which envelops life like an enemy's
flank. He leaves no issue unturned as he artfully blends
traditional and cross-cultural literary styles...Were I
to choose just one poem from this melting pot of thought
provoking poetry that captures the essence of where life
takes us, it would be the opening title `Psychiatrist's
Chair'. With this poem, he eloquently guides readers through
a narrow path of pitfalls that could very well lead to insanity.
THE POETIC REPERCUSSION will take you there, it resonates
between the pages and the beat is hynoptic.
This collection tells stories that are alive with music.
A blend of Poetry, Prose and Spoken Word fused with a Jazz
tune, a Blues note or a Hip Hop beat. These confessions
from a psychiatrist chair left me wanting more. Left me
longing for the live performance I could feel through the
pages. Thomas packs a big punch with this collection. 101
poems that take you on a journey and cover a lot of ground.
Poetry is so strangely personal; however, once
in a while a poet manages to reach the world with words
everyone can relate to. Mark Anthony Thomas manages to do
this is in his book of poetry The Poetic Repercussion.
As
I read this book different poems waved to me with something
to say. "The Rib Around My Neck" is a man's plea/prayer
for a good woman. "Funny that Way" shows societal
ironies and "I TOO (AFRAID I AM)" is reminiscent
of Langston Hughes' "Mother to Son." His poetry
covers the gamut from culture to politics, spirituality
(the poems have a scripture reference), education, racism
and war, etc. Brotha man has 101 poems deep!
I
must say that this poetry is not for beginners. Some are
meant to be read aloud and would work better in a performance
venue while others are extremely introspective which alludes
to my opening remarks.
If
you have the heart of a poet or wish you did, pick this
up.
(out of 4 stars)
It’s hard trying to write a review for a book of poetry.
How do you even read a book of poetry? Do you read it like
a novel or do you just open the table of contents and read
a poem that catches your fancy. I did the latter finding
The Poetic Repercussion wonderful. Repercussion is one of
those books you can do that with. Thomas uses free verse
and rhythm to create a book that is both thought provoking,
humorous and insightful. Some of my favorites are "God
Trendy" about the how pop culture has reduced God to
a novelty and "Child Support Checkmarks." This
is a poet you need to keep your eye on.
Bottom
Line: A book to awaken and soothe your soul.
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