Poetry Demonstrates the Incredible Diversity Within African American Culture

Martinez, GA (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- The voices of America ring loud and clear in "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" (ISBN 9780972770361, PRA Publishing, 2006), a poetry anthology complied by Lucinda Clark featuring three up-and-coming East Coast writers, along with her own work.

"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" is a powerful collection that speaks from the heart about what it means to be an American today. Although the four poets highlighted in the book are all African American, the diversity in their backgrounds, life experiences, writing styles and subject matter speak more to the rich differences among African Americans, than to a distinct African American experience.

Far more important than race or ethnicity, the poems argue, is our shared status as Americans. "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" includes poetry by Makal Ani, Robert Ward, Lucinda Clark and Toni Quest, whose artwork also graces the cover of the book. Quest's cover art speaks to the turbulent times Americans are currently facing, living in an advertising and marketing-driven culture that tends to label individuals by ethnicity, instead of focusing on the common bond people share as Americans.

The four writers' poems range in subject and style, from the spiritual to the humorous, but all convey meaningful truths about life with warmth and honesty. On the lighter side of the anthology is Quest's short and sweet, upbeat poem about a woman's love for chocolate, which has garnered delighted praise from early reviews. The collection's heavier poems delve into themes of love, death and the divine. "View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II" transcends superficial boundaries, creating a powerful reflection on modern American culture, which readers of any race can appreciate and enjoy.

About the Authors:

Lucinda Clark resides in Martinez, Georgia with her husband and their two children. She is the founder of PRA publishing and has worked with visual artists and authors on the promotion and marketing of their creative works for 19 years. She plans to release the third edition of "View From the Middle of the Road" next winter. Makal Ani resides in North Augusta, South Carolina; he has a passion for youth ministry and is the author of five self-published books. Robert Ward resides in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where he recently left a graphic design career to write full-time. Toni Quest resides in Peekskill, New York, where she teaches art and runs her own art company.

"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" (ISBN 9780972770361, PRA Publishing, 2006) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.prapublishing.com. Publicity contact: www.readerviews.com. Review copies available upon request.

###

Related Articles:

Whimsical New Collection Proves that Poetry Can Be Fun
Love and Laugh: The Poetry of Alexander Frost by Alexander Frost is a witty exploration of nature and life.

Outskirts Press Announces Oceanic Heart, the Latest Highly Anticipated Poetry Book by Author Harshada Pathare
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Oceanic Heart by Harshada Pathare, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 7.4 x 9.7 paperback in the Poetry category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $13.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/Oceanicheart was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Poetry Demonstrates the Incredible Diversity Within African American Culture
"View From the Middle of the Road Vol. II: U.S. in Us" creates unity that goes beyond race, with poems about love, life and the identity crisis of the great American melting pot.

Diamond Poetry Competition Invites Contestants to Write a Mother's Day Poem and Win a Diamond Pendant
DiamondSafe.com holds their first ever Mother's Day Poetry Competition. To win a diamond pendant ($1,686 retail), contestants are invited to write a poem for Mom on her special day. Include the word "diamond" in the poem, and submit it before May 1, 2007.

Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode To The Fanatical Golfer. (Part Two)
He's not eager to reveal his handicap; Around the truth he would often tap. They told him his game was taking a nap; That it never showed up; it needed a map!Of his golf apparel he was Oh so proud! But people thought it was just too 'loud'.

Art and Poetry Even in Your Bar Chairs
When you are designing that great bar or lounge you want to set up, the last thing it should ever be is boring After all, the reason anyone would want to hang out in your bar or lounge, whether its a public place or your private little hideaway just for friends, is because its a fun place to be

Mindfulness and Poetry: Delicious Word Awareness
Everyone's a poet.Of course, everyone's a critic, too! This means that there are plenty of opportunities to heighten our awareness of words and how we use them.

Poetry Band ... A Christian 'Revival'
Meet the premiere one of a kind 21st Century band ... Poetry Band

Mechanical Poetry - Part Three
Have you ever read the lyrics of a Simon and Garfunkle song? Pure poetry. Want to write poems like that? Start copying them.

Western Events Page Added to OldWestNewWest.Com eZine to Highlight Upcoming Festivals, Rodeos and Cowboy Poetry Gatherings
OldWestNewWest.Com, the eZine about today's West, has added a Western Events page on its Web site to showcase Western festivals, historic events and cowboy poetry gatherings.

Outskirts Press Announces Elephants, Alligators, Umbrellas, the Latest Highly Anticipated Poetry/General Book from Tucson, AZ, Author Marlene Tova Fin
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Elephants, Alligators, Umbrellas: A Book of Poems for A Fast Paced World by Marlene Tova Fineberg, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 6.14 x 9.21 paperback in the Poetry/ General category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $15.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/BooksbyMarleneTovaFineberg was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Different Forms of Urdu Poetry
Urdu poetry adheres to a number of strict rules that give way to its unique poetic structure. These rules govern the groups of versed lines that are used in every Urdu poem and dictate their meter, rhythm, rhyming pattern, ending words, and the location of the poets signature. Despite these strict rules, Urdu poetry has evolved into an incredibly colourful art that manifests itself in a myriad of different forms.

Collection of Poetry Delves Into Struggles with Mental Illness, Provides Hope
Author Rose Weiss hopes to bring understanding, hope, and comfort with her new book of poetry, "Journey Through The Wilds."

In Poetry: Meaning of Words [And ...Rocket-belt]
In Poetry: Meaning of WordsWhen I write poetry, I check out the meaning of words for too often they sound the same, but once written, and if spelled wrong, in consequence, give a complete different meaning of what I had intended; this I call a moment of damage control. If my rhyme is flat, and my cadence is off, so what, I can survive, as long as the meaning of my words are not; and are as I meant them to be.

Review Of Stephen B. Wileys First Book Of Poetry: HERO ISLAND
Poet Stephen B. Wiley's first book of poetry, Hero Island, reflects tender snapshots and reminiscent overviews of various stages of his life as a youngster working on a farm in New Jersey, summer vacations spent with his family in Northern Vermont, and his positive stance on life.