A Man of His Word

by: Melvin Williams

Published by: Infinity Publishing

Reviewed by Beth Cummings

Melvin Williams is a computer consultant and certified massage therapist. By his own claim, he is also a writer and a poet. His work is very personal and introspective and he claims that most of his inspiration comes to him at about 2:00 AM. Unfortunately, a large portion of it should probably never have seen the light of day.

A Man of His Word does contain some interesting work, particularly when
Williams puts everyday activities into poetic form. For example, the first stanza of “Exam Day”

“Cramming information

into every minute and short crack

to prevent myself from

suffering a panic attack”

is a description that any student or former student can relate to. Another
good line from “Work Week” says “Thank God it’s Friday/The weekend can
end, if you blink too fast.”

I can’t say that I found his inspirational pieces particularly inspiring. The ideas seemed to be simply clichés. I found the entire section titled “Dear
Love” to be too much like the ramblings in a personal journal to be interesting reading. Much of the poetry has similar problems – Williams lifts lines and phrases from “old” songs, speeches and other works by changing just a word or verb tense, i.e. “This little light of mine shines” and “All I wish for Christmas is you.”

Melvin Williams has succeeded in convincing me that he is a very nice person with some very pleasant ideas. I don’t think that makes his book worthwhile.
If it were half as long, it might still be trying to say too much.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed this reviewer’s comments.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MelvinWilliams.com