Clowns & Silver Balls - Paperback – July 12, 2024 by D Everett Newell (Author)

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net (July 12, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 245 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8119654412
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8119654413
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.62 x 8.5 inches

Review by LB Sedlacek

In this new comprehensive collection of mostly non-published writings, Newell accomplishes completion of his twelfth book. He states in one of the book’s introductions that “poetry and my stories are my way of slaying the inner dragons within my mind, thus allowing my inner feelings and passions to escape – my relief valve if you will!” That brings to mind of course the very famous passages dealing with writing and dragons in “Letters to a Young Poet” but also perhaps the Deathbed edition of “Leaves of Grass” Whitman’s final version of the cherished and revered book of poems he wrote. The author indicates that he draws on “my own personal inspiration from my assimilations and experiences of a life lived … that I have taken then shaped and former into stories and poems.” It is obvious that he is passionate about writing and has taken great care in the composing the offerings in his new compilation.

The book is also put together with the same care. Newell has included a carefully crafted Table of Contents and each poem title is placed alphabetically. It’s this kind of attention to detail that makes this a unique read. He also includes a quick note at the end of some of the poems and while some might find it off putting or unnecessary, I find it refreshing in that you get a glimpse into the mind of the poet and their writing process as well as the impetus behind said poem. Too often, poems are dissected, in my opinion, in totally the wrong way and the meaning the poet had behind the poem is completely missed.

Newell is a gifted poet writing with precision and a thoughtful nuance. It’s apparent he cares about what he is putting on the page.

From the poem: “Ocean Baked”

“Out on the ocean, in a boat

Blue, turquoise, smooth water, I float

A day to relax, let my troubles go

Waves move me too far, time to row

Sun bearing down, hot and brightening

My skin reddens, I feel it tightening

Yet, I’m in no hurry to return

Time has stood still, I continue to burn”

Newell adeptly covers a variety of subjects making this a poetry book worthy of most any reader. It’s evident when the love of writing permeates throughout the words of the author which makes for a good book to curl up with and read.

~LB Sedlacek is the author of several books of poetry including “Unresponsive Sky,” “Poem Medicine,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” “Ghost Policy,” “Swim,” and “This Space Available.”  Her short stories books include “The Jackalope Committee & Other Stories” and “The Renovator & Motor Addiction.” Her poem novel is “The Blue Eyed Side.”