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, New York City
Experience joy, unspeakable joy.
Buy Compelling Joy for yourself, and as a gift for those you love!
Continuously revealing the preparation and process of spiritual
readiness for living life in the "gifted posture" of praise.
"Awakening"....
"Courage", "Respect", "Richness"
"I Think You Know Him"....
"The Measuring Rod"
— Gail Stewart
"The Compelling joy this poet finds is ultimately a joy in
life, and it is a love for life. It is a love that surpasses any ordinary
understanding, and seems in these poems a mirror of God's love."William Aiken Sr. offers powerful inspiration
and insightful "soul food" in Compelling Joy, his poetry collection
that is indeed a poetic journey through life. From beginning to end,
Mr. Aiken presents a collection that stirs emotions on every level.
In "Behold the Lamb" and "I Think You Know Him"
we are shown his heart and passion for the Lord. An "Ode to a Black
Woman" and "Virtuous Woman" pays homage to black women,
young and old. "Elegance" and "Who is She" introduces
positive female influences; ones who have truly impacted Mr. Aiken in
a tremendous way.
Compelling Joy is truly breathtaking; people from all backgrounds
will relate to the poetry that is in this collection. Each poem is refreshing
and thought provoking, it provides readers the opportunity to reflect
on its essence and meaning. Mr. Aiken is a poet that truly speaks from
the heart and his work will uplift, captivate, and inspire you to move
onward.
— Reviewed by Kanika Wade, The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
"Life is a colorful montage of joy,
pain and everything in between. Compelling Joy is a heartwarming reminder
that even in this profound truth, it is all a celebration. Through Aiken's
poignant words, we experience the lumpy, nutty, confection of life as
the delectable treat that it truly is."
— Valerie Rose, Author, You Better Recognize! and Cappuccino in the Winter
Bill Aiken loves women, family, friends
and above all God. I am delighted to fit into two of those catagories
and I also feel like family. From reading his words and knowing him
as a friend, I know him to be a man who champions in the strength of
the human spirit.
— Rita Coburn Whack, Author of Meant to Be
I know they say that you shouldn't judge
a book by its cover, but based on the cover of this book you can tell
that the author, Bill is hosting a great celebration. As a poet, he
has captured everything beautiful, remarkable, tasteful, unique and
natural of a Black woman, bottled it up, and like a caterpillar on a
twig who has experienced a metamorphosis, he sets it free to fly as
a sophisticated butterfly, throughout each page. This is just what poetry
is and should be, a testimony of what the poet sees with his spiritual
eye. It makes me happy to know that this book is not based on physical
beauty alone. Although, physical beauty is candy for the human eye,
the "Soul of a Man" is so much more intriguing. I can tell
that Bill gave his soul the pen and allowed his heart to write. Compelling
Joy is a delight to read. It will bring a smile to your face, if you're
mature enough to fathom and appreciate it. God bless each reader and
an extra special blessing for the author. As an aspiring poet myself,
I feel inspired, and also proud to be both a Black woman and a poet.
I guess that makes me a sistahpoet and I don't mind, knowing that I
and other women like me, shared in the joy that "compelled"
Bill to write this book of "joyful" poetry.
Best Wishes. Peace and Blessings.
— MoodyMac (Sharanda), a Amazon.com Reviewer
The poems are refreshing and thought provoking. Once I started reading
the book, I could not stop until I finished it. The poems convey the
poet's passion for LOVE - Love of God, family, friends and life. Also
convey his plea for help for those in need as well as for justice, truth
and respect. One cannot help but stop and reflect on some of the messages.
I consider this an excellent book of poetry that you must read, especially
if you are a CPA. Thanks Bill for sharing one of your many gifts with
us. I am looking forward to reading more of your works.
— Reviewer: Audley Bell from New York, USA
Compelling Joy is a wonderful collection of poems that
cause the reader to take pause and reflect on the author's message.
As I read the poems I experienced a range of emotions. There was joy
and laughter as I read "Scrumptious
Black Woman" and peacefulness as I read the words in "Celestial
Love." I felt compassion when I read "Loneliness" and "What about Love." What Mr. Aiken has done through his words is allow us to take a glimpse
into his soul. It is clear to me that his poems are a reflection of
his inner spirit and the people and things that he values in life. When
I read these poems I get the sense that Mr. Aiken is a deeply spiritual
man who has the greatest love for God, family, friends and wo(man)kind.
He seems to celebrate life and place value not on material possessions
and personal accomplishments, but rather on the simplest pleasures that
life has to offer. I believe Mr. Aiken's work offers us a chance to
step back from these turbulent times that we find ourselves in, and
experience, if just for a few hours, a poetic journey through life.