Reviews
Read what enthusiastic fans are saying about the fascinating and motivating poetry, prose and thoughts in Trilogy
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Inspiring Family Trio, March 30, 2007
Reviewer: Linda Mayfield-Hayes "Slendah" - New Castle, DE
"Trilogy Moments" is a poetry book for the mind, body and soul, beautifully crafted by the Spence's. This book embraces many different poetic forms such as haiku, quatrain, nonet, senryu, acrostic and introduces a new form created by Joseph Spence called, "epulaeryu", which is a poem about delicious foods. There is a section in the back of the book defining each poetic form, making this a perfect reference guide for new poets.
"Trilogy Moments" is broken into nine sections covering such topics as, "The Seasons of Beauty", "Daily Inspirational Thoughts", and "Family, Love and Relationships" to name a few. My favorite section is entitled, "Prayers for Life Events", which makes me see "Trilogy Moments" as not only a book of enjoyable poetry, but also as a book to pick up when in need of a little pick-me-up.
The Spence's are a very blessed and talented family, and I thank them for sharing their blessings through this wonderful book.
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Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body, and Soul
by Joseph S. Spence, Sr., Shelia M. Parrish-Spence, and Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence
Joseph S. Spence, Sr., Sheila M. Parrish-Spence, and Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence has released the second volume of their inspirational poems in Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body, and Soul. The poems are a collaboration between Joseph, Sheila, and Jonathan respectively. The bulk of the poems are by Joseph, the father, but, though fewer in number, Sheila’s poems are well written and touch the heart. Her poems about her family are especially touching.
This time the Spences divided the book into section such as "The Seasons of Beauty", "Prayers for Life’s Events", "Family, Love and Relationships", and others. There is something for nearly everyone in this collection.
Joseph Spence has even invented a new poetic form: the Epulaeryu, a poem dedicated to delicious food. Some of his poems in this genre will make your mouth water.
I wonder if the explanations below each poem are necessary. Sometimes they rob the reader of reacting to the poem by providing the intended message. Whether this is true or not, I found the poems uplifting. Not one poem had a negative message.
The poems by son Jonathan were well written, but I was surprised at the small number of his poems in the collection. I look forward to other collections when Jonathan surely will produce many more poems. This is a nice collection for reading and meditating.
--Willie Elliott, MyShelf.com (2007)
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An unusual compendium, January 3, 2007
The collaborative work of Joseph S. Spence, Sr.; Sheila M. Parrish-Spence; and, Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence, "Trilogy Moments For The Mind, Body, And Soul" is an unusual compendium of 'Epulaeryu Poetry', a new form of poetry that is inspired by, and draws metaphors from 'succulent cuisines from home cooking to exotic dishes and drinks', while blending spirituality, tranquility and self-awareness for life's diverse and unpredictable journey. A lovely volume of deftly written verse, each of which is accompanied by a brief commentary, "Trilogy Moments" is extraordinary reading and a strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library American Poetry collections.
"Prayers for Poets":
To all poets and writers who have read my poetry and prose
I appreciate your support and the love extended as I compose
You may be from countries like England, Jamaica, the US or Italy
However, I have made you a part of my extended family
I know that there are some poets in great distress
Natural disasters have affected them and have taken their best
Loss of many lives I hope not, but some are living with less
In their loss of possessions and loved ones there is stress
God I implore you to lift up their minds, bodies and souls
Only you can bring back their joy and mold them to be whole
To be in your light is a struggle and all are striving as you know
Grant them all your grace as they reckon with nature's ugly blow.
— Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) January 3, 2007.
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A Trilogy of Poetry, prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul.
If you want your poetry to be written in complex language or philosophical subjects, this book is not for you.
These authors have put together a collection of poems dealing with everyday subjects written in a straightforward manner.
The book opens with poems written by Joseph Spence, Sr., and his poems are more developed than those of his wife and son. Most of his poems are preceded by a prose section that introduces the subject of the poem. His topics include such modern concerns as road rage, the stock market and more traditional topics such as Christmas and autumn leaves.
Johathan’s section is evenly divided into prose and poetry. His poems are shorter and less developed than those of his father, but they do show the exuberance and faith of youth. They are fun to read.
Shelia’s section is all poetry and has poetry on various subjects, but the best ones are those in which she expresses her love for her husband and son.
Read as a whole, the book gives a sense of a talented family happy with their lot in life.
--Willie Elliott, MyShelf.com (2006)
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" Full of little pictures created in the mind, February 28, 2006.
A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts" is a family affair. This trio of authors offers their varying voices to readers with poetry and words in creative expression. The book is filled with snapshots of moments presented in written form. Joseph Spence shares his thoughts on the melting pot of America, the wonders of holiday foods, and vacations on the beach, in rhyme and rhythm, humor and contemplation. He has a style of self-assured ease with the written word, and seems to enjoy his craft immensely. Jonathan Parrish Spence offers his youthful works on being drug free, his love of music, and moments from his middle school days. His work shows promise as a poet and author. Jonathan's style is exploration of the written word and seeing what he can do with it. Sheila Parrish Spence gives readers thoughts on the island feel, the professions of motherhood and lawyer, and love for her children and family. Sheila's style is mellow and easy, full of life and wisdom, and inspiring imagery..."
— BookReview.com (2006)
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A unique and debut literary creation comprised of the poetry and verse of Joseph Spence, February 9, 2006
A unique and debut literary creation comprised of the poetry and verse of Joseph Spence, Sr., Sheila Parrish-Spence, and Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence (age fourteen). A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body & Soul is a collection of lyrical verse and poetic prose through which these respective authors reflect on the universal of life one may find in any society, culture, region, or continent.
Sample Poem - Soul Food Christmas:
Turkey, ham, and pigs feet
Lord, to me you are so sweet
Fried chicken, ham hocks, 7-layer salad
Lord, I am now singing the Ballard
Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens
Lord, I now know what you mean
Potato salad, beet salad, macaroni and cheese
Lord, I now need some cool breeze
Sweet potato pie, apple cobbler, sweet ice tea
Oh yes, this is more like me
Corn bread, sweet rolls, hog head cheese
Lord have mercy, this must be Christmas Eve
Neck bones, chitterlings, candied yams
Lord I am now ready to jam
It is Christmas and the folks are here
Lord bless this food and let's eat”
— Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) February 9, 2006.
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“What a great idea! It was a strong concept to collect these three related voices. The poems and short prose pieces here were honest. They expressed genuine emotion and the need to make sense of human life. They spoke from experience and were specific. Subject matter is touching and poignant. This was inspirational, and should appeal to a wide audience, including friends and family. (For whom this is really an heirloom).” — Writer’s Direst 13th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards
"Relevant poetry and prose for easy reading and relaxation of the mind. A must read!" — Patricia O'Flynn-Pattillo, Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal Newspaper
"Extremely interesting concepts & thoughts. Well worth reading; definitely leaves you thinking." — Robert Garraway, Director Garraway Hotel, Commonwealth of Dominica
"Thanks for the rejuvenating and inspiring words embedded in these poems and especially for the honor extended the brotherhood that lives by the Plumb, Level and Square" — Frank Humphrey, R.W. Deputy Grand Master, M.W.P.H. Grand Lodge F. & A. M., State of Wisconsin, Inc. and Life Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"Fantastic poetry for the mind, body and soul." — Renee Bradford, Owner/Pres., C'est Si Bon Gourmet Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois
"A thrill ride of twists and turns…. Entices your thoughts. Charming!" — Daulton Dicks, President, Blo-Out Records, Charlotte, North Carolina
"What a great work of art. These enchanting poems show great knowledge of the world." — Frances Brock Starms, PhD. Educator and acclaimed poet, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"These poems are very insightful and so descriptive; they create a picture in your mind of the character in each poem." — Linda Jackson Conyers, Milwaukee Times Newspaper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"Wow, how exciting! These poems are more than just soothing words for the soul." — Pauline Nisbeth, Executive Assistant, Amtrak, Washington, D.C.
"I really enjoyed reading the poems and found them uplifting, entertaining and motivating." — Tremaine Wright, Owner & President, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Bedford Stuyvesant, New York
"A truly wonderful collection! An inspiration to all of us." — Victor Fields, Artist & President, Regina Records, Oakland, California
"Visual poetry with rhyme and reason--refreshing! — Milwaukee Courier Newspaper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"One simply has to savor the simple truths that are the embodiment of these so well coined words. So get a nice warm mug of tea and some cookies and snuggle up for some good food for thought." — Tricia Spence, Broadcaster, "Di Wildchild," RJR 94 FM, Jamaica
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