Spanning forty-five years of the author’s writing and experience, the poems in this collection cover everything from historical occurrences, wildlife, pieces of life advice, folklore, and superstitions. Selections like “Knock on Wood” humorously play on old sayings and cultural superstitions: “Lost my car, / Lost my house, / Lost my girl playing cat and mouse.”.In contrast, other poems like “Sin City” express a nihilistic-tinged observation of a city where there’s “No consoling to be found / when everybody’s underground.” Other, more personal poems, such as “Where Can That Cat Be?” draw readers into “Two days going on three” where a beloved pet disappears. Its resolute owner decides to “Use a little mental telepathy, / and soon, she’ll be home right after me.” Last, but definitely not poetically least, readers nostalgically sing about the joy that romance, even after many years, adds to life: “It’s 2020 and I’m gonna sing out / how much I love you.”

Readers who are fans of rhyme and connoisseurs of more traditional poetic forms will appreciate the whimsy and musicality these poems offer them. For newcomers to the poetry genre, the poems in this collection provide easy access to an often misunderstood genre. However, the collection is not only a verbal and sonic experience. With unique sketches placed in between poems, the book provides visual treats that allow readers to interpret the entries from a completely visual perspective. Intimate yet universal, this book is a poetic journey into the known and unknown, the observed and the questioned. Contemplative and insightful, it truly is a poetic treat and one that encourages readers to step into the speaker’s experience: “Poems and lyrics to sum up my experiences. / Written intermittently, / aside from the beaten path.”

Title: Anthology 1975-2020
Author: R.K. Clark
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1664123434
Pages: 278
Genre: Literature & Fiction/Poetry
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza

Pacific Book Review

In an age where technology is allowing people to express themselves instantaneously, and news can be read at the tips of our fingertips in an instant, it is not hard to see that there is a bit of art and romanticism missing from the outpouring of emotions one sees in a typical social media post. One way these emotions are being kept alive in the modern age is the pursuit of poetry for many people. Poetry is a universal language that moves through various emotions and allows us to speak more freely than real life at times. As Aristotle once said, “Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.”

In author R.K. Clark’s Anthology 1975-2020, the author and poet brings together a strong collection of poetry, song lyrics and musings, collected over the writer’s life. From getting rid of bad habits, to views on religion, to dating and finding someone to love, and so much more; the author takes readers on what feels like part memoir, part creative musings, utilizing the poetry genre in a brilliant way.
The author has crafted a truly engaging book of poetry. While many poetry collections have invoked truly deep emotions and a wellspring of feelings in readers before, the author has taken this one step further and stimulated not only the heart but the mind as well. Infusing humor, wit and intellectual thoughts into the poetry and song lyrics the author has shared here, readers can get a sense not only of the experiences that the poet has gone through but of the person the poet is. The author even delves in certain poems into faith, not as a means of preaching but of expressing their viewpoints and feelings towards the faith they’ve chosen, even dedicating poems towards Jesus with “Blood Moon” and the events of his crucifixion.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy poetry, especially when the poetry seems to reflect a non-fiction memoir of sorts as well. The book also fits perfectly for religious readers who enjoy personal anecdotes and feelings towards faith in general. The poet does a fantastic job of creatively showcasing the emotions they have experienced throughout their life without losing their unique voice and tone throughout the collection.
A masterful, engaging and evenly-paced read, author R.K. Clark’s Anthology 1975-2020 is a must-read poetry collection. The author’s range with this collection of poetry and song lyrics is fantastic, which proves to be a huge draw for readers of all genres. From humor and charm to overwhelming emotion – and everything in between, this collection speaks to readers on all levels, and showcases the author’s powerful voice in this genre.