Review (4)

Dear Mark Olynyk

I received the copy of your book for review.

I wanted to deal with three things I found with superb interest as to your status, not just as a poet, but a philosopher (I may say).
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There are too many questions about life. Too many that the libraries are already crowded with words and books about it. There were pros- groups and cons- group, a combination of a group of people wanting equality while others don't want, or a think-tank of nations dealing with ecumenism. There are too many words and too many beliefs that created confusions and divisibilities. Philosophy is unable to distinguish itself from the blurring and teetering of human conviction. Psychology and Religion is at the brink of destruction.

The book Written in Stone balances these issues. Instead of heavy words, Mr. Mark Olynyk uses his wit to sew his philosophical and psychological ideas in manner that is readable, yet artistic, relevant, and oftentimes realistic.

The question, "what is poetry" is answered by your poem entitled "The Reality Is" (p. 31). Poetry is all superficial, but the value it contains is critical and existential. The question of " what the poet has to say" Is reflected on your poem "A Road Less" Travelled (p.52) that is " to explore the dark side of the unknown." Such wonderful picture reflects man's initiative to understand himself and his potentials. And so, the third question is "what is written in stone" is found on the last poem entitled "Fragments" (65). That is, everything man thinks, says and does are all written as 'fragments' of bones and dust, that is, our own human experiences.

Unless we understand ourselves, we cannot understand another. The patience of making ourselves better does not rest on the concept of 'unity' but ends and start at the establishment and knowledge of the self. The work of Mr. Mark Olynyk is of superb interest in general perspectives, scholars and young minds the same. CONGRATULATIONS on this work well-done.

The complete text rof the review will be given soon...

I recommend this book five stars plus, published by Friesen Press. available at Amazon.com

©Z.C. de Leon Jr.
BCS, MTh, International School of Ministry and Leadership; Bataan Peninsula State University, Dinalupihan, Bataan, Philippines.