Exhilarating, gritty and honest are some of the words that can be used in introducing you to a dynamic yet revealing piece of poetry entitled, Do you feel Me?Poetry from the Heart of a Black Man. The book invokes emotion and stimulates the thought process to enable the reader to actually delve into the mind and feelings of the writer Don Smith. There are very few forms of communication that allows the reader to experience the same heartache, disappointment, joy, and jubilance without leaving the comfort of their home. Most writers, performers, intellectuals, artists, and even preachers may be able to move a crowd with emotions but there is no honesty. The person is just performing for the crowd but they do not share their lives. On the pages of Do you feel Me? Poetry from the Heart of a Black Man the writer gives the reader the truth and nothing but the truth. He exposes his thoughts for everyone to see without commentary, excuses or apologizes. The only thing that the writer requests from you is that you feel his thoughts, questions, insecurities and victories that each individual has in life. This work reminds me of the great quote by Arthur Ashe. He stated racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can. Don does not defend that his voice comes from an African American perspective built upon knowledge and a sincere appreciation for the Word of Truth and the culture perspective that was given to him by the Almighty. Every one can relate to being a child, student, parent, spouse, friend and family member. These roles build some of the essence of the work in this book of poetry. Several years ago, I went to see the Luther Vandross in concert. After two hours of rich love songs, Luther had ensured that his audience felt the love and heart in each song. I can remember looking into the eyes of people as they left the concert. We all had the opportunity to experience Luther. We could feel his pain, joy and love in each song. So it is with this book of poetry, you will come away for a newfound respect and appreciation for the writer Don Smith. He does not short change the reader but he allows us to look at his heart. The heart is the seat of the personal life. It is from the heart that the mind thinks and the voice speaks. Take some time to enjoy and reflect on a man opening his life unto us by the use of prose. Ronald Wright May 22, 2006