Hometown Folks
by Kenneth Pobo

Copyright 2023, Cyberwit

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net (February 18, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 35 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9395224665
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9395224666
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.08 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.09 x 8.5 inches

Review by LB Sedlacek

This short collection of poetry packs a punch with instant verbiage and remarkable prose.  Many of the poems are previously published, but Pobo has done an excellent job in arranging them in a good complementary order in his new book.

The first poem, “Under Our Eaves” sets the stage for entry into the poet’s pages.  This poem is about a house, a home, a family, a neighborhood as it ages over time.  It’s a generous progression from “talking beside the garage” to  30 years later “staying indoors.” 

He handles many themes well such as grief, aging, death, divorce and so on.  His poems challenge one to think.  They are written with a clear voice, but not an obvious one. 

Each syllable in Pobo’s poems is well though out and has its place.  His words are magnificent and elevated. 

From the poem “I BOUGHT JOHNNY RIVERS’ SLIM SLO
SLIDER ALBUM THERE”:
“The head shop, Kite Bongs,
sold pot paraphernalia near
the paper products factory.
Sometimes I’d go there
after painting my church
clothes crazy colors,
cut the pants into shorts—”

Pobo’s style never stops changing.  He is his own poet.  It is refreshing to read an original voice.

These poems overflow with emotion and grace.  Pobo transports the reader into his world of poems and it is a welcome escape. 

“Hometown Folks” is a wonderful poetical neighborhood to enter.  This is a poetry book you’ll want to take home with you and keep on your beside table to read any time of day.

~LB Sedlacek is the author of several books of poetry including “Swim,” “Night Swim,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” and “Words and Bones.”  Her most recent short stories collections include “Motor Addiction & The Renovator” and “The Jackalope Committee & Other Short Stories.”