"A friend and pen is all I have
Time is of the essence/Time will always tell
Good or bad it will be heard."
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Another Sunny Day In Hell by Jack Bell Trafford Publishing
book review by Mihir Shah
When life is throwing the kitchen sink at you, "a friend and pen" is all you may have. In Another Sunny Day In Hell, debut author Jack Bell captures twenty-two, roller-coaster years of life experiences with clarity, forcefulness, and honesty. Another Sunny Day In Hell is more than a book of poetry; it is the window to Jack Bell's trove of fleeting emotions, ranging from suffering and regret to unadulterated joy.
While the poems in this compilation fit onto both sides of the spectrum and everywhere in between, they are united by a common theme: the idea that time is ever-moving, and the ultimate judge—all that is left is the memories. Essentially, the message Bell delivers is that life as we know it—or as we want it—vanishes within the blink of an eye: "Blink your eyes and I'll be gone/Cause now it's time to move on." Bell's poems read as though stream of conscious writing; they are genuine and dwell on common human ambitions pertaining to intimacy and love.
While there are over ninety transparent poems, "It's All In Your Mind," "Sea of Madness," "Love Is...," and "I'll always be dreaming of you," are several of the more stirring gems that are sure to elicit a flood of emotions from readers. From losing close friends and alcohol addictions to unrequited love and loving one's child, each poem is revealing as though a puzzle piece to the speaker's life.
Ultimately, Another Sunny Day In Hell is one man's search for his identity as he tries to break free. Full of intriguing symbolism and thought provoking verse, poetry enthusiasts are sure to relish Jack Bell's first venture into the poetry world.