Poetic Beauty

An Abstract Encounter in Black

Poetry - General
159 Pages
Reviewed on 08/09/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black by John Thomas Qua is a poetic journey that explores emotions and thoughts in complicated relationships, from the deeply serious to the more lighthearted and often amusing. The style is varied and interesting, and there is a slice-of-life feel to the poetry as you read, as if you're reading thoughts about one person's life, yet it can resonate with a wide audience. Here, you will find inspirational, intellectual, emotional, and poems that can be left to your interpretation. There is also a religious message to the reader, inviting them to consider accepting Christ as their Savior.

The language and phrasing of the poetry, especially in the beginning, are lyrical and deep. Lines like "My mind began to methodically drift backward in time, to periods of security and peace, a time that I'm convinced only the children ever knew" are just a sampling of thoughts we may have had but couldn't quite put into words. That's what this poet does best: He puts into words the thoughts and feelings many of us have but don't know how to express. There is imagery and phrasing that calls up Biblical themes, and if you like poetry that rhymes, there is plenty of it here, which I do happen to like and write. Some poems will religiously resonate with your soul, while others will bring up the everyday, like family, that somehow still tie in with the themes of salvation. If you like poetry with universal themes (time, justice, death) that speak to you personally about life, love, and God, you will love Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black by John Thomas Qua.

Pikasho Deka

Poetic Beauty by John Thomas Qua is an enchanting poetry collection focusing on the diverse interwoven experiences that constitute life as seen from the perspective of an unnamed narrator. In "One Debt Free Day," the narrator dreams of a day when he can serve the needs of his family rather than the demands of his creditors. The narrator mourns the loss of a loved one and hopes for a better tomorrow in "I'll Wait Until The Morning." "A Commodity Called Time" sheds light on the irreversible nature of time, which, once spent, cannot be brought back no matter how hard you try. "Now I Know" touches upon a person's realization of what they have learned through their unique experiences in life. In "This Highway Called Life," the narrator likens life to riding on the highway, where unforeseen obstacles lie ahead, and so do friends.

With his lyrical flair, John Thomas Qua paints a colorful portrait of life, with all of its struggles and challenges contrasted with the things that give deeper meaning to life and bring joy and happiness alongside them. Poetic Beauty is a collection that will enthrall poetry lovers and readers who love books that provide introspective insights into various aspects of life. Qau uses a non-rhyming style of poetic storytelling, which, when combined with the experimental structural organization of the verses, brings a distinct flavor to his poetry, with each poem feeling unique in its own right. Overall, I found the book inspiring and made me contemplate. I will recommend Poetic Beauty to anyone who enjoys beautiful poetry.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

John Thomas Qua provides true-to-life poetry and prose in his book Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black. The author begins with an invitation to join Christ by reciting the Salvation Prayer and seems to journey back in time as his poems relate to particular periods in his life. Qua shares pieces that embrace grief, repentance, love, hope, and wisdom, with poems that reveal both the beauty and horror of death, depending on your chosen path. Love poems that focus on inner and outer beauty are related as the author refers to the power of black women.

Get ready to read John Thomas Qua’s words again and again as the author’s work inspires deep thought. Even though the pieces are beautiful and clear, read carefully, for one poem may echo another with only a slight change. The call to follow Christ is clear, as he reflects on the beauty of nature, his desire to meet his savior, and the death of those close to him. Poetry may mean different things to the author and the reader, but the general feel of the book promotes love, beauty, and salvation. Christian topics are present throughout, and the worries of a man are described delicately, hinting at money troubles and a busy workload as time “ticks” away. Dedicated readers may see familiar stories in pieces like “I Know Who You Are” and “Bottle” and spot repeated themes. Poetic Beauty is available for readers to enjoy, so in addition to private bookcases, it should be displayed on the shelves of libraries.

Diana Lopez

John Thomas Qua is a Christian who shares his life experiences through poetry. At the beginning of Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black, he tells about the search for spiritual freedom and the longing to feel at peace. He talks about virtues and living with people who possess them. He develops ideas that invite you to keep faith in God and be grateful for each new day. However, he also covers controversial topics, such as the struggle of his emotions clashing with his thoughts or facing feelings of fear. He shows how life changes, and maturity allows us to understand many more things. Based on his experiences and thoughts, he demonstrates that sadness can turn into joy if you open your heart.

I liked Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black for its complete and harmonious content. It's not just about faith but also includes love poems, short stories, and analogies about daily routine. For example, I liked his thoughts on Cable TV because he talks about something creatively and differently. Each poem has the clear purpose of teaching a useful life lesson. John Thomas Qua's language is simple, and his ideas are focused on positive thinking and the search for truth. He talks about nourishing the soul through faith, but he also expresses everyday life and reminds us of the importance of seeking real friendships and maintaining hope. I recommend Poetic Beauty for those who wish to meditate on sound values and nourish their soul through poetry.