In
Carrying On,
Mark Williams takes his readers on a wild ride, filled with twists and turns through history, both cultural and personal. Using a circular motion in many poems, Williams leads the reader through an examination of numerous fields of study, yet always turns the lens back to his own experiences. For example, in "Stridulation," the poet moves from the habits of termites and dolphins to a childhood tragedy from which he "learned / the single sound two crying women make." Although filled with references to science and philosophy,
Carrying On
is humorous and playful, while still remaining heart-felt. In "Has Becky Wright Returned
A Prayer for Owen Meany?
" Williams muses, "Yet who knows, someone someday might say,
I remember liking him.
" Readers will feel that way about this poet after reading
Carrying On.
-
Linda Neal Reising,
Author of the poetry collections,
The Keeping
and
Stone Roses
"Writers do not merely reflect and interpret life, they inform and shape life," wrote essayist EB White, whose manner of speaking resembles Mark Williams' poetic voice. Williams approaches life experience as a storyteller, with curiosity, whimsy, and understated humor. Poems about illness, death, opossums, dogs, cats, and his wife, DeeGee, enliven ordinary and extraordinary life experiences. Memorable motifs are sprinkled throughout the collection, bringing disparate parts together and making the reading experience a process of discovery. Readers who begin "In the insect room at the Louisville Science Center" will want to carry on, gleefully, all the way to the poet's "memorial service to be held at any time with anyone at the Starbucks nearest you."
Kimberly Garts Crum,
Co-editor of the anthology,
The Boom Project:
Voices of a Generation
Mark Williams is masterful at welcoming readers on a tour of his life and times, revealing his devotion to his wife and pets along the way. Part memoir, part poetry, part lyrical essay, Williams sprinkles endearing humor and small surprises for readers to unwrap and savor like candy tossed to parade spectators. My favorite titles include "Has Becky Wright Returned
", "Fred's Theory of Relativity," and "Speaking of Tongues." The author's honest portrait of life experiences is recognizable as feelings we all share. Readers will not be left ho-humming through Williams's reflections, but rather feel like friends with whom he shares himself.
Bonnie Omer Johnson,