Eloquence, Rhythm & Renaissance
Usiku
ISBN: 9780979445002
Usiku
Reviewed By Gloria Ferris
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
As
poetry collections go, the ones that tend to stand out are those in
which the poet unabashedly delves deep into the nether regions of the
mind, body, and spirit, taking the reader on an undaunted journey of
esoteric enlightenment – and Eloquence, Rhythm & Renaissance falls right in line with that group.
A moving collection of poetry, prose, and short stories by Usiku, Eloquence
touches on a vast range of topics, but it draws its greatest strength
from laying bare the most common everyday issues/situations confronting
us all. Take for example, this passage from "A Humanly Being":
"Doesn't let wrongs stay long
Takes control of mistakes
By doing what is necessary
To receive forgiveness
And Regain control over fate"
And this passage from "Perfection":
"Quality without compromise
The way bees go about making honey
It is not for the common pace
But good for so many things
Satisfies the passion of expectation"
Such
passages capture the trials and triumphs of common humanity in pointed,
straightforward language, illustrating the daily internal battles that
drive and unite us all.
It is well known, though, that poetry
often best connects with readers when it comes to matters of the heart,
and in this area Eloquence certainly doesn't fall short. Usiku manages
to illustrate both the joy and pain that love can bring quite vividly,
as in this passage from "Reconsidering":
"Trying to understand you
has been pained exhilaration,
Toughening and tenderizing my innermost portions.
For now I wish
I had a handful of you."
And this passage from "Virtual Love":
"If your second incarnation
is lightning
joining the earth and ozone
then let mine be thunder
rolling over Blue Ridge Mountains."
These sentiments are sure to reverberate throughout the very fiber of anyone who has ever been in love.
A compelling, well-crafted ensemble, Eloquence, Rhythm & Renaissance
is a literary treat sure to please poetry lovers from all walks of life
- and it may just win over a few new converts before all is said and
done.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Usiku (Eloquence, Rhythm & Renaissance)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Usiku. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
What was your chief inspiration in crafting this collection?
Usiku: There is an innate force which urges me to take the world of images, sounds, thoughts, and emotions and preserve them with words. This Spirit takes my yearning to understand our existence, combines it with learning gained from the search for satisfaction, and blesses me - challenging me to a greater belief.
AR: Do you tend to find yourself writing about people & situations familiar to you, or is it more natural to create pieces based on your imagination?
Usiku: Most of the poems and stories are a combination of familiar things, imagined things, and poetic license.
AR: This book contains poetry, prose and short stories. Have you produced work in other genres that you'd like to tell us about (e.g. plays, songs, etc.)?
Usiku: Among the several children's stories I've written, one was recorded for a children's radio station. There are also a few songs waiting to find more breathing room among us.
AR: What kinds of reactions have readers had to the book?
Usiku: The most common responses mention experiencing a feeling of peace, inspiration, poetic power, and enjoying a book that is a mind- and soul-stirring surprise.
AR: What's your opinion of how poetry tends to be regarded by the literary world at large?
Usiku: Poetry is often considered hard to understand; this is an unfortunate assessment. A significant part of poetry's purpose is to condense and present insights using linguistic and literary tools. Understanding comes much easier when we approach poetry willing to appreciate and absorb it.
AR: Who have been some of your major writing influences?
Usiku: Those who get up or help someone up are my main life influences. Others include Shakespeare, Zora Neale Hurston, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Booker T. Washington, Carter G. Woodson, Ayi Kwei Armah, and those in the African Writer's Series.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?
Usiku: The sequel to Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance is ready and waiting for current and continued participation from supporters.
AR: Will you be making any appearances anytime soon where our readers can come support you?
Usiku: Not at this present time. Readers may always show support online by subscribing to updates on my website and blog, by submitting feedback and comments, and by simply spreading the word.
AR: Please share with us your website address so our readers can learn more about you.
Usiku: www.usiku.net and www.writerswhirlpool.blogspot.com.
AR: Also, how can people contact you directly?
Usiku: usiku@usiku.net.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
Usiku: Eloquence is a weapon and a tool for personal growth, nature, and spirituality. Thank you for this forum.
AR: Thanks again, Usiku, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!