Pain. Strength. Courage. Defiance.

Mark Eric follows up his debut novel, Benders, with Verses, a provocative collection of poetry that explores the trials, turmoil, and triumph of the Black Male experience in America. Eric demonstrates once again his broad range as a storyteller and offers up a collection that reflects his coming of age in New York City amid high crime, strong racial divides, and tragic unjustified shootings.  Influenced by such legends as Maya Angelou, Pablo Neruda, and Langston Hughes, Eric shares his pain and frustration with the world around him.  While some of his words may have been born years ago, readers will find that sadly little has changed in the landscape of America and for her Black Men.  These selections stand as a testament to the lives still impacted by a cultural history we have yet to break free from as a country.