Book Bag: Inside Out (See Me)
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| Author Ron King |
Staff Reports
Ronald Reginald King, born and raised in Asheville, is a retired Battalion Chief from the City of Asheville Fire/Rescue Department. Along with being a public servant, a lecturer and a motivational speaker in his community, Ronald is a poet, playwright and novelist. He is the author of the poetry book Inside Out (See Me).
Inside Out (See Me) is a collection of expressions enticing you into a journey of experiences travelled by a man who has personally observed life with his heart opened. These expressions are designed to reveal a journey of ups, downs and a turnaround in the world of relationships. Here are a few reviews:
“Inside Out (See Me) by Ronald Reginald King is a beautifully written
poetry book. Mr. King’s style of poetry covers a variety of topics that
we can all relate to. Amidst the words of his poetry, Mr. King allows
the reader to take a peek through his kaleidoscope and experience his
personal feelings about life, his spirituality, sense of family,
importance of relationships and love. While reading this book, I came
to feel and understand how the title of this book was chosen, Inside
Out (See Me).
“If you are a lover of poetry, with an appreciation for words that have
the ability to bring a smile to your face and a sense of peace to the
soul, then I would highly recommend Inside Out (See Me).”
~ S.E. Koshi (aka Lady Flava)
“I have read your book from cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down last
night. I understand the meaning behind the title now, [there is] such
emotional depth in your poems that I am sure most who read relate with
thoughts of “felt that,” “I remember when,” “if only it had been,”
“someday I will find,” and “God is so real to those that believe.” Some
brought smiles, one actually brought tears. Some caused me to laugh out
loud, some evoked memories, and one caused me to contemplate the
purpose of my existence. Not bad for one night’s reading. My summary of
your book would be “A true rendition of love written by a man who
obviously has a huge imprint of God’s Hand upon his life” for God is
love. I know I will be reading your book often!”
~ Judy
“When first peering into Ronald Reginald King’s volume of poetry the
refrains of John Coltrane’s music are heard again with the sensuality
and sadness of the musician’s Love Supreme”. Poet King reminds us of
the unintended consequences of inflicting pain on our beloved:
‘What happened to what we had? Me and You, We were bad. “What happened
to what we could have been? Me and You, Why didn’t we win? “Baby, you
don’t know what it’s like to be in love with a man and to find out he’s
playing with your emotions.’
Poet Ronald King pays tribute to a long line of redemptive “ancestral history.
“Black men teaching me to be strong! Black women supporting their
teaching with ‘Believe them they are not wrong even though the struggle
has been long.’”
There is repentance here that speaks of an atoning love beyond our frill capacity to forgive:
‘A word to the wise — God is love and love is life. Keep Love in your
life, keep life in your love for God is Love and Love is Life.’
These poems make a good reading with a compelling beat that says “read on.”
~ Dr. John Cato of Asheville.
