By: Staff writer
January 8, 2021
Bahamian poet showcases his new work and wants people to know that there is something in it for everyone.
Kendal Valentino Smith, author of a new book of poetry titled “Passion: The Art of Making Love and War,” told Caribbean Magazine Plus about what inspired him to create during these difficult times in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, “My inspiration for putting pen to paper has been the experiences of my life. For example, love with a woman, God, nature or even laughter or the exact opposite, anger per say at injustice.”
“As for the integrity of the work, to be a poet, one must have the ability to see beyond the superficial and despite the synthesis of rhythm, style and cadences, the poet must possess and master the craft of speaking to the hearts of men in a voice that touches the soul of his society, such is the same, whether in dance, painting, sculpture, music or any artistic creation. Passion: The Art of Making Love and War is simply a reflection of my life’s mantra and modus operandi, which is, ‘As one man can indeed make a difference, my commitment to the next generation is that I will leave to them, a world, in a greater condition than the one that I was born into.’”
He added: “I would say much of my inspiration would be divine or from deep within my psyche. I always keep a pen and pad next to my bed because sometimes I would hear verses in my dreams. Could you imagine being asleep and hearing something like ‘Woe is me, how fortunate a fool, that a mere man unworthy as I should make love to an angel’”
His latest work has its range, from Chapters like “Here’s to You My Love and “Madness,” that are breath-taking in their passionate approach to the topic at hand while brilliantly showing off the range Mr Smith has, he also said that his “favourite” part of the book would be “The Love Verses,” as he prefers love over hate and peace over war.
Mr Smith also spoke about the challenges producing a work during the COVID-19 pandemic and said that it was “not so difficult during the pandemic for people are actually locked down and looking for things to do. People cannot move around as they would have prior to the pandemic so the online digital method has become the new norm.” Further expressing optimism for hitting his sales mark a this time he said, “For example, Amazon has become a trillion dollar business since the pandemic.”
“Whether you are eight, eighteen or eighty three, there is something in this work for you, for if you can find your passion, you have found your purpose,” said Mr Smith.
He added: “Additionally I would like to say that everyone’s talent is a gift from God and I deem it selfish and even wrong on so many levels, for an individual to hide one’s talent from the world. This is the method of contribution to one’s society, legacy and history, it is our duty to use our God-given talent to make our world a better place. For me, it is my pen.”
Mr Smith ultimately said: “This book expresses love as the unbiddable, ungovernable, uncontrollable force that can overthrow empires, completely subduing the will of the individual. It posits the erotic love in terms of its beauty, sincerity and its purity. Yet it portrays this love according to its opposites as it is ancient and classical, yet bold and modern, the best kept secret yet bellowed from the mountaintop, passive and patient, yet heated, passionate and combustive in a single moment. Love is viewed as forceful and potent in terms of its consistency from one generation to the next in relation to God, humanity, romance, nature and society.”
“Contrastingly, the book depicts in the Art of War, man’s inhumanity towards man in terms of race relations as well as political and socio-economic privileges. In this regard, the message speaks to and encapsulates what is needed today in America and other countries around the world in terms of equal rights, liberty and justice. The driving thrust of The Art of War is that the only thing that power respects is power and the only thing that force respects is force. In essence, Passion The Art of Making Love and War captures and encapsulates the pulse and the passion of a people. “
Passion: The Art of Making Love and War can be found on Amazon now.
I have read the book and it is AMAZING. I highly recommend every one to get a copy. You will not regret it. Awesome work Mr Smith