by Brent Shaw

Distillations Volume One: Brightest Green is an intriguing collection of poems which addresses a wide range of human experience. Many of the entries are expressly Christian in perspective, and many of them are not (though none is anti-Christian). The poet demonstrates a phenomenal command of the English language, in addition to a remarkable ability to write with extraordinary sensitivity and pathos. He explores Christian life, death, romance, tragedy, family relationships, human failure, humor, and much, much more with resolute honesty and a determined quest for truth and reality. Complementing this written journey is a wholly-unique adherence to forms in terms of novel rhyme schemes, and rigidly adhered to syllabic consistencies. For example, in the poem, Emmaus, most people would not realize that well over two hundred lines of poetry exist in which alternating lines of seven syllables, then eight syllables, occur throughout, as well as a rhyme scheme in which the third syllable of each eight syllable line rhymes with the last syllable of its preceding line. No easy feat! And entirely unheard of in creative writing! Yet the simple beauty of the biblical story is not only retained, but enhanced in lyrics of exceptional imagination and description. In short, with the advent of Distillations Volume One: Brightest Green, not only has a new and exciting work of art been contributed to the field of literature, but a demonstrably versatile artist makes his debut!