Distinguished and prolific poet, William (Bill) Aiken presents us with a collection of sexy, inspiring, articulate, and nourishing food for the soul. Like a truly good meal these poems have the effect on the reader of being both filling and satisfying. More and more we need poets like Bill to convey a perspective that is fresh, diverse, and far from mainstream. The added bonus here is the soulful nature of the works. He speaks with compassion, understanding, and celebration of the human experience. His poems are candid, lyrical, and crisp with a rhythm that begs to be read aloud in a community of friends and loved ones. Then like the gourmet cook, the reader can sit back and luxuriate in the contented looks on the faces of those who have just feasted on something good and juicy.

I share with you these few examples of the soul food that awaits you in this book. Bill gives us a lot to chew on when he describes his woman as a ". . . tempest of love, a compelling crescendo of joy unspeakable . . ." (from "Compelling Joy"). The poet is at his best when he tells the reader of his admiration of the fine brown hips of a woman on a dance floor and says such delight is enough to make him ". . . go on to glory and ask St. Peter for nothing more . . ." (from "Scrumptious Black Woman"). Bill dares to combine sensuality with spirituality in "The Morning After." Actually, his strong spiritual center shines more brightly in works such as "I Think You Know Him." Bill tells us that his spirit rejoices as he experiences God's grace (from "Christmas Message To My God"): Our soul exhibits contentment at these simple pleasures of faith. I have read these poems over and over and with each reading I experience a new delight, a different flavor emerges, and I enjoy them more. I give this volume of poems two thumbs up and say a resounding AMEN!

Fannie Porter
August 24, 2000
New York City