Poetic Journeys Series

Read a Poem a Day!   In 'Americana,' the poet takes us on a unique journey through time and emotion. Poems can be mirrors to our souls, reflecting the past with calm wistfulness, preserving moments like cherished relics. Yet, there's also a place for the poet's reactionary spirit, where the words ignite, pushing both the author and the reader to action.   Through the eyes of a child growing up amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War, evolving race relations, and the vibrant cultural renaissance of the 1960s and 1970s, Harvey's verses offer a profound glimpse into an era of transformation. His poetic voice, molded by the likes of Allen Ginsburg, Amiri Baraka, Langston Hughes, and Ai, combines the reflective wisdom of yesteryears with the resounding force of contemporary activism.   This collection isn't just a relic of history; it's a timely exploration of our enduring search for truth. As you delve into these pages, you'll find not only the enduring echoes of the past but also two new pieces that bridge the gap between America then and now. 'Americana' reminds us that, in poetry, the truth is always right on time."   Excerpt:   New York! Herds of humanity  Graze on street corner slop and ride in the bellies Of silver worms beneath city gutters Street people are ragged and unfashionably stinky. Everyone else is fashionably ragged. "Andy" sells me a beaded sweater off an old lady's dead shoulders. A roguish Puerto Rican painter copies A Robert Colescott painting as his own black creation. Got all dressed up to go to the theatre in Harlem. Got there stinky and hot--Harlem, Who bombed it? Noise all night long in Brooklyn. No ugly people live in New York Everyone is Cafe' au lait. Tall boy with five-inch hair Sits wide-legged on the sub in baggy trousers. His throat is stiff with defiance, But his dark Eyes linger in mine for a moment. Everything is for sale in New York Even a hug from daddy long legs. ***** Other Notable poetry volumes by the author:   The Last Supper 3AM: Poems and Stories From the Other Mind Bark Too

Dive into "The Last Supper," a collection of poems that boldly traverse the boundaries between the Sacred and the Profane, offering a unique perspective at the forbidden crossroads where they meet. In these verses, there is no room for the easily offended or those who merely skim the surface; you must be willing to explore the nuanced shades of gray.   Author [Harvey] makes no apologies for the absence of roses and limericks; this is a collection for mature readers. These poems are not suitable for children, little old ladies, or Church Mothers, yet the church itself weaves through these verses, a powerful presence.   Within the lines, you may detect echoes of the 80s, a time when Ronald Reagan's legacy continued to shape the world. The corporate world remains a realm where greed is king, and the haunting presence of AIDS steals away the young and vibrant. Among these poems, the title piece, "The Last Supper," encapsulates the poignant recollection of a young man's final moments, as he softly utters, "A sip of water please / A little string beans / Wait now, you're rushing me."   As you embark on this poetic journey, remember not to rush through these verses. Take your time and allow the words to resonate, for within "The Last Supper," you will uncover a unique tapestry of human experiences, emotions, and a glimpse into the enduring spirit of an era.  

Explore the depths of human honesty in "Rough Cut Until I Bleed," a collection of poems and prose that delicately balance between the deeply personal and the universally relatable. These heartfelt verses invite you to embark on a journey through the author's truth, discovering your own stories within the pages. With a whimsical seesaw between poignancy and humor, "Rough Cuts Until I Bleed" introduces you to a world where elephants, duckbill platypuses, and cicadas converge with themes of lust and longing, leaving you oscillating between laughter and contemplation. Dive into the intricate mosaic of human experiences and emotions, where every word is a mirror reflecting your own "hmm" moments.   From the Book That noise beat on my ears. A mad saxophone player filled the room with his insanity. My eyes got all crossed trying to keep up with the digital readout running across the clock's face like a flow of red water. I couldn't stand it anymore. That's when I noticed them.   6 9 The world has secrets Behind secrets and Puppets ruled by puppets You think the game is sixty-nine But you're a dog, Dawg Chasing his rainbow tail. Round and round you go Until you wake too late. The catch is twenty-two Three strikes and you're out. #     Happy My manhood rots in the garden of cabbage leaves. Where children once grew yellow fat drips and splatters my thighs. My hips are big as money bags and heavy with gold I am suffering. I am happy. # The poem Apocalypse from this book recently appeared on the blog site NEWVERSENEWS.