The Hidden Peace In Poems

By Eric B Smith

Some of the short story style of poetry displayed in The Hidden Peace In Poems were derived from real people and real events. This style of writing forms a unique brand of fiction that's designed to sit close to the heart. The characters and plots may not be exact, but the ideas were fueled from real life circumstances. For some it may hit close to home , while with others it may open doors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric B Smith
• Release date: Oct 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005042417

Eric B Smith

BIOEric Bruce Smith was born and raised in Oakland, California, on the eastside in a community, known as Brookfield Village. He's a proud father of three beautiful children and one grandson.Smith is the author of “The Hidden Peace In Poems” published in 2021. These poems were an expression of Smith’s love for his family, friends, and his community. The book cover artwork was drawn by his daughter Serena Lea Smith.Some of Smith's earlier accomplishments in literature planted the seed, signifying there would be more to come. Smiths' poem “In My Pocket There's A Mirror” is published in “Reflections of The Soul”, by The Poetry Guild, Ohio, 1997. He has work published in the Oakland Public Library found in book titled “Images and Voices of the Gold Rush”, edited by Joyce E Young, 1998. The poems are titled "Voices Of The Gold Rush" and "Effects Of The Gold Rush".The Hidden Peace in Poems was featured in the January's edition of Publishers Weekly Magazine, 2022.Smith’s book “The Hidden Peace In Poems” was critically reviewed by Author Reneé Drummond-Brown and published by Jerry Langdon of Erlangen, Germany, in the “Raven Cage Poetry and Prose Ezine-Issue #77.” Smith’s poetic works also appear in Issue #78, both in the year 2023.Smith, appeared as a guest panelist on P. English Literature Global Writers Conference, hosted by Peter Okonkwo, of Nigeria, 2022. Smith, is also an author select for magazines and Anthologies titled “the Writing On The Wall Global Magazine-Issue 1and Issue 2”, and “It's Our Poems and We're Stickin’ to It Anthology” by Author Reneé Drummond-Brown and Renowned Writers from across the globe, 2023.During Black History Month, February, 2023, Smith, appeared as a guest author on R3 Realeyes Realives Realize Book Club. His book “The Hidden Peace In Poems” was well received on that segment.

Book preview

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THE HIDDEN PEACE IN POEMS

Copyright ©2021 by Eric Bruce Smith. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles, reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Although some poems are a reflection of the author’s childhood, it doesn’t comprise the majority of the book.

ISBN 979-8740198-96-5 (Paperback)

Edited by Robert Lee Wilson III

Cover Art by Serena Lea Smith

Cover Design by Dynasty’s Visionary Designs

Angel Bearfield

https://www.facebook.com/dynastys.coverme

Profile Picture: by Debra Stephens Henderson

Picture taken of a blackbird: Eric Bruce Smith

Picture of my mom and dad on the dedication page:

Courtesy of Hartrell Smith Jr and Amber Nelson Smith

For inquiries contact author at:

[e-mail]

The author may also be reached on social media at:

https://www.facebook.com/bayliterature/

where he is the founder of Bay Lit Reading,

a book recommendation page for authors and writers.

Bay lit reading on Instagram

https://baylitreading.com/

Manufactured in the United States of America

This Body of Work Is Dedicated to

Hartrell and Estella Smith

In Memory of Estella McGee Smith

1930 to 1974

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT ME

INTRODUCTION POEM

CHAPTER ONE: HEY LOVE

LOVE WITHIN LOVE WITHOUT

WHEN LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL

WAIT FOR IT

LOVE IS WAITING

FEARLESS HEART

SHE SAID

LOVES OUT THERE

REACH FOR ME

US

LOVE IS

LOVING HER

UGLY LOVE SONGS

THE ONES

WHAT ABOUT FOREVER

THE DEAREST OF THEM ALL

SPIRIT TO SPIRIT

GOOD LUCK

CRUSH

PERCEPTIONS

LETTER TO MY DAUGHTERS

SMILE WHILE YOU CAN

MY SON, MY BUDDY, MY FRIEND

HEART OF ROSES

GOD WOULD WANT THAT

THE SURRENDER

LOVES MIRACLE

CHEMISTRY

CHAPTER TWO: LIFE GOT YOU LOOKING

DENIAL

LISTEN

OAKLAND OUR OAKLAND

FEELING UNNEEDED

PRETTY LA CHICA

LONE SURVIVOR

WITH MY EYES CLOSED

STILL A YOUNG MAN

TELL YOUR STORY

THE WRITER

SOMEONE ELSE’S PLUM TREE

WIDOW

SHELTER INSIDE

JUST ONE MORE STOP

HELP

WHAT HAS IT DONE?

LONGING TO BE HEARD

THE CANDY SHOP

JEALOUSY

WORDS SPEAK

THE BRUISE

TIME

KEEP WALKING

THAT PERFECT PEACE

BAD DEAL

ENDURING PAIN

CHANGING HEART

HE’S ONLY TRYING TO HELP, I THINK

THAT SPECIAL WITHIN

THE EDGE OF FEAR

SO FRAGILE, SO VULNERABLE, SO EXPOSED

ENOUGH

THE THERAPIST

I SEE YOU

BlACKBIRD IN A CEMENT JUNGLE (backstory)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

ABOUT ME

When I listen with my heart the words just come. They paint a picture as I wait for the final input. I don’t know what’s going to be drawn on the canvas until it’s all out. When the expression is complete then I can dig deeper. I must first put all the phrases together then seek understanding. It’s better for me this way. I see those amazing creative outlets of thought layout right before me. One creative thought alone is inspiring, but several combined together are outstanding.

On May 13, 1966, I was born the seventh child from the union of Estella McGee (Louisiana) and Hartrell Smith (Texas). Momma named me Eric, while my sister and brothers wanted me to be named Bruce. I ended up getting both names. I’m proud to be from Oakland, Ca. I was always a curious child asking so many questions. For example: Who made the sun? Who made God? Many shoes were thrown at me, but I always got one more question in before the last shoe hit. My mind was always everywhere. When I started writing poetry as a teenager it showed me a different world. It took me to another dimension of unlimited possibilities. Poetry is an important literary form, and I believe this book contributes to that. There’s a sense of peace when I’m writing poetry. My desire is that the reader can experience that peace as they turn each page.

INTRODUCTION POEM

BLACKBIRD IN A CEMENT JUNGLE

I’m high over the top of the hot wires as the rays burn through the leaves.

Swing miss, miss again, and a swing.

Lunge, lunge and pull back then scuffles.

Silence!

As the sun meets the earth again, I lift from the street liquor. 

Blade cuts through the air, as the vitals are untouched.

Great sounds of laughter vibrate my wings.

Bare feet never touch the ground. Look at them go.

Now she is gone, he is gone, the boy is gone, the girl is gone, they are all gone.

I finally come down and something impacts my resting stick. Blood, glass, pain, and an outward

cry heard by many.

After I open my eyes I’m already in a free fall.

I breathe in life from each passing of the arm. I survive this round

I overcame the darkened streets as I looked the blackbird straight in the eyes.

My heart says, thanks for preparing me.

From jungle bird to jungle boy roaming the cement jungle we conquer.

This is the twist and turns of life, through the eyes of a blackbird in a cement jungle.

CHAPTER ONE:

HEY LOVE

LOVE WITHIN

LOVE WITHOUT

Love without sacrifice is just an idea of love.

Love must be identified before it can be claimed.

Love cannot be fortified