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This small volume is a collection
of poems by Carter, who has been writing since his teens. The reader
soon realizes this book is not just poetry. It is the intensely
personal expression of a four-term military man who has seen more than
his share of war and dying.
With a Bachelor’s degree in religious studies, Carter uses his gift for
writing to heal and inspire himself and mankind. We are made to wonder
what war is like and how a person can leave loved ones behind to serve
alongside others who have become like family.
As the poet, Carter uses a tool box of methods to let light shine
through the stained glass window of his life. Rhyme is best not forced
when dealing with the serious issues of morality and mortality. So,
Carter favors repetition for emphasis and alliteration to sharpen his
word choices. Anthropomorphism is another technique for bringing to
life deepest feelings, as in these poems: "Our Flag," "My Only Regret,"
and "My Old Friend."
Mental health practitioners know the value in treating PTSD symptoms by
self-discovery through writing. Penned poems such as, "Where Are You,
My Brother?" and "Shadows, Memories, and Things to Come," probably
served a similar purpose in Carter‘s life. But, it takes a special kind
of bravery for any writer to publicly share exposed feelings.
Photographs shared by the author enhance this 159-page volume. The
Copyright page should include information about Bible version(s) quoted
from.
Fortunately, most of us can only imagine the grief which the poet
labels as “tears” and significantly scatters throughout his poems.
"Show, not tell" is the general rule for emotion in novels and other
non-fiction works. Poetry is one form of writing where it is
appropriate― even mandatory at times―to exhibit tears.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review