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Reminiscent of Maya Angelou, Williams writes with a deep emotion that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Constituting mostly poetry, but with a bit of prose sprinkled in, the book of poems delivers snippets of a turbulent but faithful life. Early on, the poet elicits deeply disturbing visions of slavery and torture and later questions how much has really changed since the emancipation. The poet writes in a quiet but palpable grief, and many of these poems read like deep, painful memories. Loneliness, oppression, and resignation also emanate from the early pages. Descriptions of the poet’s childhood range from warm and happy to terrifying. In these poems of youth, Williams maintains a child-like point of view, making it easy for the reader to step into the mind of the child behind the words.
Throughout the book, topics range from love, drug addiction, and death. Over the pages, the poet’s emotions change from gratitude to rage to acceptance. One poem in particular—“Crack Pot!”—alludes to the devastating effects of drug addiction for both the addict and those around him. The poet shows his lighter side in “A Poop Relationship” wherein he reminisces about a relationship that he compares to “poop.” The final poem, “Seduce Me,” ends with an alluring photo of a woman and the words “Just seduce me!” With so many differing topics, the book has the opportunity to appeal to a wide readership. Marriage and fidelity are also common themes in the book. Williams writes with an earnest remorse over a failed marriage. Describing a long and loyal wedded union as the highest form of love, the tone of these marriage-themed stanzas is regretful and despondent. Later, however, the poet delights the reader by including a poem about a newfound and inspiring love, supporting the belief that, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."- Psalm 30:5
The majority of the poems are written in a simple rhyming scheme. The poems are short; most range between twelve and twenty lines, with frequent line breaks and short stanzas. The poet’s heavy use of imagery and word association remains consistent throughout. As with all good poetry, the poet has delivered visual pictures that the reader can paint in his mind. He has captured specific moments and transferred those visions in easily understood words. Readers will surely feel empathy when reading the sorrowful poems and find joy in the uplifting, hopeful ones.
Photos and images sit atop each chapter, adding another layer of intrigue to the work. Photos of sunsets and bright, colorful abstracts set the tone for the passionate poems that follow. Images of people representing a host of different nationalities and denominations also succeed in visually introducing the writings. Throughout the book of poems, religious figures are represented as important beacons of hope. Jesus Christ and God are mentioned often in the material, offering the poet much-needed inspiration during the difficult times. Overall, the poems are beautifully written, filled with passion and truth. The poet inspires, bravely showing the reader both his internal and external struggles in his complex and often tragic life. This is a heartfelt and meaningful book of poems.