Scars and Stripes of an Honorary Warrior by Saven “Con-A” Watts is a collection of poems that cover a variety of topics. It was composed between 2014 and 2015. The collection addresses the human experience as a battle, and the words in this book are written to give hope to the reader. Readers will enjoy the direct manner in which the poet addresses them in some of these poems, evoking the battles they face in their personal and social life, and reminding them of pitfalls to avoid as they fight on. Some of the titles are thought-provoking, challenging readers to rethink the influence that others have in their lives. For a book of just nine poems, this collection has a lot to make any reader ponder about life.

The poet has a unique way with words, and he coins phrases that are witty. For instance, “Are you being paid to play or getting played to pay?” is an interesting poem and the author explores how the reader can easily get manipulated and played for the interests of others. The poems explore themes of family, politics, social intercourse, the power of human emotion, survival, love, and hatred, and more. The author writes about how the government rapes people with its taxes, decries the hatred that seethes inside the human heart, and invites readers to look past that which is negative to experience the liberating freedom of an uncorrupted mind. Each poem concludes with a powerful statement, a quote from the author. Scars and Stripes of an Honorary Warrior is most suitable for readers who enjoy free verse. The author doesn’t seem to use a particular style, but there is a perceived lyrical effort that enriches the powerful utterances of the warrior portrayed in this book. It is a quick and easy read; it is deceptively simple, but between the lines of Saven “Con-A” Watts’ poetry is a wellspring of a suffering and resilient humanity.

Saven "Con-A" Watts' writing is raw as he opens the window on how millions of people are living within our country and we have grown numb to the endless question of how to help. I have seen the vicious cycle of an unwed mother doing all she can to support her kids, only for them to be lured into the streets she left to provide for them. It is endless. The author gives his voice in verse as people all fight demons others can't see and words they can't seem to form in their mind. Scars And Stripes Of An Honorary Warrior is one of five poetry books so far from this author and it doesn't appear as if he is stopping.

Everyone feels a bond to someone, a cause, or an event. Saven "Con-A" Watts uses his pen to show the deep connection he has with others that survived the call of the streets and overcame the pull it has on them. Scars And Stripes Of An Honorary Warrior is for everyone. The author uses bold verse, strong words, and a brave stance to show his beliefs. His strength to stand against oppression is courageous. You can feel the beat and emphasis of each poem as you read it. The first poem, Are You Being Paid To Play Or Getting Played To Pay? has a political theme that is controversial, but the author thrives on controversial statements that truth cannot hide. I like this poem best as it sums up the author's thoughts and stance.

If you're a fan of words that are passionate, raw, and speak of the diverse elements of daily living, this book of nine poems, Scars And Stripes Of An Honorary Warrior by Saven "Con-A" Watts, is a must. What's different about this one are the parallels between urban life and fighting in the military. With each word, the author reflects the need to survive the urban jungle. The reader will discover that they do not need to go abroad to experience some of the same types of battle wounds and scars that are fought in foreign lands. Poems like Are You Being Paid To Play Or Getting Played To Pay?, H.E.L.L. (Hatred Is. Everywhere. Lurking. Lavishly.) On Earth and Troops Of The Unfortunate speaks of urban living from poverty, and fighting for freedom and rights to homelessness.

As I've enjoyed poems by author Saven "Con-A" Watts before and this one doesn't disappoint either. You can feel the grit, despair, and passion as you walk in the shoes of the author throughout this book of poems. As before there are special quotes after each poem to seal the meaning of the poem. Quote from the Troops of the Unfortunate: "I would like to pay my tributes, respects, and homage to my fellow veterans, generals, retired, active, and everyday troops of the unfortunate. Forever and will always be the origin of my stomping grounds and grassroots. HOORAH!" If you love poetry, pick up a copy of this book today. Enjoy!

How does it feel to become trapped within your own destructive thoughts and the memory of traumatic experiences? This collection of vivid and compelling poetry - Scars And Stripes Of An Honorary Warrior - by Saven "Con-A" Watts - takes you inside the minds of both soldiers and civilians who suffer from mental, emotional, or physical anguish following a horrifying event. Some civilians have never set foot on a battlefield, but for them, they fight a continuous war within their own minds. Mental health issues such as paranoia, PTSD, and anxiety are examined and the continuous internal battle as they face being judged, criticized, and compartmentalized. The collection serves as a stark reminder to search for your truth and not a negative story you have been conditioned to believe. As we all live in a society filled with ignorance, violence, and corruption, we must be aware that those who intend us harm are not always totally visible or seem hostile. Words and actions are sometimes used by the few to gradually instill fear in an attempt to control the many.

I have read previous works by this talented poet and this collection is of the same impeccable standard. Each of the poems resounds with your deepest emotions perfectly and his words flow so beautifully, almost musically, but the message is always very powerful. The subject matter of mental health is covered with the utmost dignity and realism. I loved the inspirational theme throughout that we must come together as a human race. His message that we must not be swayed by negative outside forces such as governments and media who try to divide us was superb. The compilation also promotes kindness and a non-judgmental attitude toward our fellow man, especially those who have defended our freedoms or faced their own lived experience of trauma.

I loved each poem for differing reasons but H.E.L.L. touched me so deeply, especially this line, 'While seeking ways on how can I elevate as others are set out to retaliate.' Another passage from the book came from the poem Age Of The Lost, Ill-Minded, And Corruption: “All the self-destruction and chaos committed by the acts of man all come at a high cost. Lord help heal those who are hurting and watch over us in these times that we're living in. For we are all stranded in a dark age of corruption, the ill-minded, and of the lost.” An absolutely perfect summary of the negative aspects of humanity against their fellow man. I cannot recommend Saven's work highly enough. Through Scars And Stripes Of An Honorary Warrior, he truly champions those who are unaware of how unique and talented they are and encourages them to become the best version of themselves.