Review Of: diary of a sinner by Howard Smith

Review Of:

diary of a sinner by Howard Smith

Review by: 

Realistic Poetry International

In Author Smith’s, ‘diary of a sinner’, before you can even set your eyes on a poem, you are instantly in for an unexpected surprise as you dive right into what appears to be, a story. The narrator contemplates back on his past using a raw, realistic writing technique, so real, some of the scenes feel as if they are nearly happening right before your eyes! Mr. Smith’s grand demonstration of a ‘raw’ and ‘outspoken’ approach gives you no choice but to pay attention. As he travels down memory lane, mentally, you feel as if you’re right there beside him, which can be difficult for a writer to accomplish.

From a reader's perspective, each poem felt like a stored away memory that altered, affected, or impacted the author’s life. For instance, we learned who Mr. Smith was named after as he leads us into his first poem entitled, ‘Ever Since I was Young’. What’s even more exciting is the interesting story behind Smith’s initial writing inspiration, in which you can truly appreciate and respect his candid honesty. Interestingly enough, his itch for writing poetry sprouted about by accident.

Rather than a natural love or attraction to words, his poetry reveals that he actually began writing only to stop from being a nuisance to a friend, which ultimately transformed into, poetry. Continuing on down the timeline of his journey, you can slowly begin to feel your feet sinking into the deep quicksands of a darker reality, death. Delving beyond the surface, he opens his courageous heart and exposes to the world his one and only fear of death.

This poem in particular of this collection is one of the most riveting at its core. After suffering so many losses in his life, from family to friends, Smith’s confession to finally ask, ‘what happens next?’ leaves you to ponder about the afterlife, if you haven’t already. In other words, what comes after we die? Where do we go? And what do we do? A stream of questions trail the author’s message as he expresses his own feeling of contentment with the unknown. In his own words, he says,

‘No one can be certain of what lies ahead when we pass on, I can only do more good than bad during my lifetime’ ,

while he also simultaneously admits to his only fear of death. Oddly, contrary to illustrating feelings of fear, he persists in expressing sharp remarks like,

“what can death do?” and, “death’s mad I’m still standing, mad that I’m still fine”, jeeringly mimicking the personified character. This poem we would like to describe as, daring, simply because the manner in which the author boldly addressed death was far from fearful.

Life, as we know has several different roads to travel, and in this book, it’s hard to say that Author Smith misses any of them. He even exposes some of the more romantic sides of his heart in a poem entitled, ‘thugs cry’. This poem is a beautiful sentimental contemplation of a male yearning for romantic companionship. Simply expressed, in the words of Author Smith himself, he wonders,

“why he is a Romeo without a Juliet”, and in the same poem answers his own question by saying,

“when it comes to sports, I have the heart of a lion when it comes to love, I don’t bother trying”; a creative poetic portrayal of a heart with deep desire and at the same time, limitations.

From family to friends; to death to creation; from health to image; the author doesn’t miss a beat! The technique of combining his poetry with a descriptive segment of prose was just the right fit for this style, which leaves the impression of a minor version of an autobiography. His audaciousness to disclose some of not only his most intimate experiences but also his profound thoughts were beyond alluring. He didn’t glamorize the facts that constructed the foundation of his life, rather he dared to deliver the content of his life truthfully and with spirit! Respectfully, the parents of Author Smith, which he speaks highly of in the books dedication, are most certainly proud of him for accomplishing such a meaningful achievement such as this book, surely among many other things!

Last but not least, the visual art included in this collection was creative and only defined even more the cultural theme embedded within the book in relation to the author. This enhancement certainly gives your eyes a little surprise to look forward to every now and again and makes his book distinguished and unique. ‘Diary of a sinner’ was a worthwhile read, and we respect Author Smith’s originality and unmasked honesty; for only a forgiven soul can expose the heart’s diary of a sinner.

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