Winterberries is like a fine arts museum of personal histories. What the first half by Robert K. Johnson and the second half by Dorian Brooks additionally have in common is that these poems are poignant, picturesque, and profound word paintings. Altogether, they comprise a journey with a map of memories steeped in both nostalgia of past events and the reality of the present that incorporates life’s travails and joys. Robert K. Johnson’s poetry is tight, relatively short, disciplined free verse while Dorian Brooks leans more toward formal verse with many sonnets mixed in with structured free verse. The central themes are family and relationships. These poems speak to us in a universal relatable voice and in the process make perfect our longings and even our imperfections that make us human. Many of these poetic gems also examine our relationship with Nature and spotlight the human condition. This poetic duet is a compelling read that demonstrates a literary mastery of the English language.-Harris Gardner/Executive Director of Tapestry of Voices Poets Dorian Brooks and Robert K. Johnson bring the transcendent to everyday scenes from life. They both have wonderful instinctive poems inspired by a deep feeling for nature and how it is integrated in our lives. Both Brooks and Johnson create tightly knit works—with an economy of words—that always impress you with their impact. Doug Holder/Co-President of the New England Poetry Club
