Customer Reviews

i see through eyes

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When you hear folks say that Eric Payne's book, I SEE THROUGH EYES, is filled with poetry and prose that has the ability to capture young minds and make old ones pause in deep reflection, then, you better believe it! I found that long after I finished reading this book, I could hear or see something in my day that would bring to mind certain poems from this collection.

This book consists of six sections with seven to thirteen narrative poems and prose pieces per section. From the beginning of the book to the end, Eric allows readers to see through his eyes and intimate thoughts some of the concerns, frustrations, and celebrations in the experiences of men. He articulates clearly in, "The Neighbor" and "If I Was White, I Wonder," the struggles black men often have with racism and social acceptance. He describes man's spiritual nature and reverence for God succinctly in, "Man," "Faith," and "There is No God." Poems like, "The Phone Call," "Variation on The Phone Call," "When," and "My Heart," depicts the anxieties they feel when finding love or facing heartaches. Then that sexy little Haiku titled, "Sunrise" along with poems, "Braggadocious" and "Petals Against My Skin," are so sensual and passionate that they are guaranteed to make a woman smile.

Reading I SEE THROUGH EYES, does capture one's attention and rocks like a lover as Bernice McFadden, author of SUGAR and THE WARMEST DECEMBER states on the book's cover. I enjoy reading poetry and I especially enjoyed this book and this writer's intimate thoughts about issues that are not always expressed openly by men. I look forward to reading more by Eric Payne in the future!

This collection of poetry and prose is entertaining and enlightening. To delve into the mind of a man on aspects such as Love and God is refreshing. Selected favorites such as Sunrise, which shows that the simplicity of words can be enough and Petals Against My Skin that make vulnerability appealing is reason enough to add this to your collection. Women everywhere need to See Through Eyes and get this book. Better yet...men...make the jesture and get your woman a copy!

Eric Payne's "I See Through Eyes", a collection of short stories and poetry, chronicles life as a black man inspired by religion, sexuality, racism and family. Payne appropriately categorizes his works into six divisions: Young, Havin' Fun Wide-Eyed & Naïve; Lamentations; Fires of Revelations; Perchance Romance; To Know God; and Liberation. As such, the reader can readily recognize a gradual growth towards individual freedom in each segment.

Payne's poem "Because" reveals deep-rooted [Black] family values, suggesting individuals should step back and be thankful for their present situation established by ancestors whom he claims have "[made] my way clear / blindly moving, not knowing the outcome / working your hands with faithful vigor / for my sake [. . .]" .

While his short story "Insanity Wears High Heels" pokes with the narrator's probable and ultimate sexcapades, readers can still expect a wonderful and purposeful moral as a conclusion. Payne intertwines his knowledge of music with the beats and rhythms of his natural rhyme scheme, eloquently detailed passages, and allusions to Coltrane and Donna Sommer.

There is an ardent need for young, talented writers such as Payne. "I See Through Eyes" easily quenches the appetite of hungry youth who may find relativity in his truths.
Unsuccessfully edited in regard to inconsistencies in style, yet well written, Payne's works effortlessly take a reader back to the oral tradition, where readers are soothed by delicate, precise words and traditional themes of human nature.

"I See Through Eyes" by Eric Payne is a window into the soul of a young African American male as he goes about the chore of daily life in America. The poems are filled with reality and emotion.

This collection of poetry is divided into six sections, they are: 1) Young Havin' Fun Wide Eyed & Naive 2) Lamentations 3) Fires of Revelation 4) Perchance Romance 5) To Know God 6) Liberation. My favorite section is "Lamentations" because it deals with feelings of the heart. In "The Phone Call" the poet reflects on Shannon a woman that he dated that had it all together, and he thought that they were both equally interested in each other. Then Shannon suddenly drops out of sight. The poet wages an internal battle with himself as to whether he should call her or just leave the situation alone. I know that at one point in my life I was in the same situation as the poet,so I could definitely relate to his plight.

I really enjoyed "I See Through Eyes" and look forward to reading more of Eric Payne's work. On the RAW scale "I See Through Eyes" is a 4.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks

This brotha's work is eyeopening. With poems like "the neighbor" and "if I was white, I wonder", he tells it like it is. It's amazing how poetry can touch one's heart. A friend of mine saw my copy of this book and read it. It nearly brought tears to her eyes. Everyone should see through this brotha's eyes. Get the Book and tell a friend.

Eric Payne has the unique ability to capture the essance of meaning about loving, family, and dealing with the experience of maturing and evolving as a human being. Few people take the time to "drill down" to seek meaning in life. Eric Payne is one of those rare gems. Keep up the good work.

It's refreshing to read a black man's naked words. There is no hype here, just pure, raw emotion that captures your attention and rocks you like a...dare i say it..LOVER. Mr. Payne's work is an intimate one! Buy the book - read it over coffee, on the train to and from work -- or better yet - take it to bed with you....

This brotha's work is eyeopening. With poems like "the neighbor" and "if I was white, I wonder", he tells it like it is. It's amazing how poetry can touch one's heart. A friend of mine saw my copy of this book and read it. It nearly brought tears to her eyes. Everyone should see through this brotha's eyes. Get the Book and tell a friend.

This collection of poems will have you laughing through your tears,and remembering joy even when theres pain. His book show he's a hopeless romantic, full of love,pain, unsecurity, aggressivness, intelligence,and positivity. But don't take my word for it go SEE for yourself.

Finally, Mr. Payne has provided me with a book of poetry that competes with Erotique Noire! His struggle between sensuality and spirituality made for an interesting theme in this publication. My favorite poem, "Sunrise", was enough to make me eager for his next publication. Great job, Mr. Payne!