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Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes
When all of life is stripped away, left with no freedom except in his mind, one man journeys deep inside to discover his true self. He finds the only way to survive hopeless negativity is through creating with his hands and imagination. They confined his body in an iron cage, but could not lock away his mind.
What you’ll find between the covers of this book are expressions of raw emotion…Poems of deep sadness and loss, humorous musings, political wisdom, life observations and tender love from both Rick and Jan Sikes.
The pen-and-ink art (Pointillism) drawn by Rick, is simply another extension of creativity and partners with the poems.
Rick Sikes poured pieces of his heart and soul into these writings and art, and it was his hope that through hard-earned wisdom and insight, he could help others on their soul’s journey.
What you’ll find between the covers of this book are expressions of raw emotion…Poems of deep sadness and loss, humorous musings, political wisdom, life observations and tender love from both Rick and Jan Sikes.
The pen-and-ink art (Pointillism) drawn by Rick, is simply another extension of creativity and partners with the poems.
Rick Sikes poured pieces of his heart and soul into these writings and art, and it was his hope that through hard-earned wisdom and insight, he could help others on their soul’s journey.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 8, 2018
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite
Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes, by Rick Sikes, Jan Sikes is a very special book; most of it was written by Rick as a mental escape from prison bars some of the illustrations show. – Tiny cages that appear too small for a man to stand represent physical boundaries, but he didn’t permit the creation of barriers in his mind. The pictures and poetry express the essence of a complex man. Sadness and loss contrast with humour, and observations of life often seem to clash with Rick’s political views, but his intention is clear: to help others cope with life’s challenges and demonstrate the power of abiding love. Will you discover Discovery and be richer for the experience?
“Stories from the soul, played on a convict’s guitar” is a line like so many others: music that plays in the readers’ mind. Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes is a treasure-trove of illustrated poetry with only a hint of freestyle: rhymes to express what Rick intended must have taken time, but he had too much time, or did he? He left a gift to the world. Readers will have their own favourites: mine were Portrait of My Golden Girl, My Gal Suzie, Museum of Memory and Let Me Hold You, but I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic. There are many about life that intrigued me, and the very different Reasons for Seasons. I found many poems that touched my heart, but none that brought tears as surely as Jan Sikes’ last: Surrender.
Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes, by Rick Sikes, Jan Sikes is a very special book; most of it was written by Rick as a mental escape from prison bars some of the illustrations show. – Tiny cages that appear too small for a man to stand represent physical boundaries, but he didn’t permit the creation of barriers in his mind. The pictures and poetry express the essence of a complex man. Sadness and loss contrast with humour, and observations of life often seem to clash with Rick’s political views, but his intention is clear: to help others cope with life’s challenges and demonstrate the power of abiding love. Will you discover Discovery and be richer for the experience?
“Stories from the soul, played on a convict’s guitar” is a line like so many others: music that plays in the readers’ mind. Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes is a treasure-trove of illustrated poetry with only a hint of freestyle: rhymes to express what Rick intended must have taken time, but he had too much time, or did he? He left a gift to the world. Readers will have their own favourites: mine were Portrait of My Golden Girl, My Gal Suzie, Museum of Memory and Let Me Hold You, but I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic. There are many about life that intrigued me, and the very different Reasons for Seasons. I found many poems that touched my heart, but none that brought tears as surely as Jan Sikes’ last: Surrender.
August 31, 2017
Discovery by Jan and Rick Sikes is a powerful, compelling collection of poetry and art that has touched me deeply. The authors unveil emotions that few among us would ever reveal or even dare to claim. They take you on a journey with such candour, poised with loss and hope, and an unassuming grace that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. This is a gem of a book and a gift for the soul. Such a remarkable journey, depicting the power of the human spirit and the majestic beauty of enduring love. A highly recommended read for sure.
April 9, 2018
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite
Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes, by Rick Sikes, Jan Sikes is a very special book; most of it was written by Rick as a mental escape from prison bars some of the illustrations show. – Tiny cages that appear too small for a man to stand represent physical boundaries, but he didn’t permit the creation of barriers in his mind. The pictures and poetry express the essence of a complex man. Sadness and loss contrast with humour, and observations of life often seem to clash with Rick’s political views, but his intention is clear: to help others cope with life’s challenges and demonstrate the power of abiding love. Will you discover Discovery and be richer for the experience?
“Stories from the soul, played on a convict’s guitar” is a line like so many others: music that plays in the readers’ mind. Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes is a treasure-trove of illustrated poetry with only a hint of freestyle: rhymes to express what Rick intended must have taken time, but he had too much time, or did he? He left a gift to the world. Readers will have their own favourites: mine were Portrait of My Golden Girl, My Gal Suzie, Museum of Memory and Let Me Hold You, but I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic. There are many about life that intrigued me, and the very different Reasons for Seasons. I found many poems that touched my heart, but none that brought tears as surely as Jan Sikes’ last: Surrender.
Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes, by Rick Sikes, Jan Sikes is a very special book; most of it was written by Rick as a mental escape from prison bars some of the illustrations show. – Tiny cages that appear too small for a man to stand represent physical boundaries, but he didn’t permit the creation of barriers in his mind. The pictures and poetry express the essence of a complex man. Sadness and loss contrast with humour, and observations of life often seem to clash with Rick’s political views, but his intention is clear: to help others cope with life’s challenges and demonstrate the power of abiding love. Will you discover Discovery and be richer for the experience?
“Stories from the soul, played on a convict’s guitar” is a line like so many others: music that plays in the readers’ mind. Discovery: Poetry and Art by Rick and Jan Sikes is a treasure-trove of illustrated poetry with only a hint of freestyle: rhymes to express what Rick intended must have taken time, but he had too much time, or did he? He left a gift to the world. Readers will have their own favourites: mine were Portrait of My Golden Girl, My Gal Suzie, Museum of Memory and Let Me Hold You, but I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic. There are many about life that intrigued me, and the very different Reasons for Seasons. I found many poems that touched my heart, but none that brought tears as surely as Jan Sikes’ last: Surrender.
July 25, 2017
This is a collection of poems and drawings from a husband and wife. Yet, it is so much more than a simple book filled with words and pictures. It is teeming with feelings from a forced separation of incarceration - that is beautifully written. Rick found his freedom in writing. Injustice is weaved into his poems. It strongly comes through in the poem: “Name of Justice”. It was a chilling narrative of mob hatred: “The madness shouted, ‘More, more!’”. There is an undercurrent of humor- as well as love, too. “Just Love” shows a loving sentiment “You and I hand in hand, always together”. The artwork was equally amazing, especially the fact it was created by dots. “Willy Nelson” and the “‘Steam Train’ Maury Graham – The Hobo King” stood out to me, but I enjoyed them all. The book finished with poetry by his wife, Jan. “Leavenworth and You” spoke of promise, love, and hope. The line summed it up for me: “Our dreams took shape as boldly we spoke them” showing not even prison bars could separate their feelings for each other. “Discovery” was a journey into a bad situation with love shining through. This is a book that will stay with me, and I highly recommend it.
February 8, 2021
Life presents us with challenges none of us would have chosen, and yet, it is through these unwanted hurdles that we can become more fully human. Discovery by Jan and Rick Sikes is a powerful testimony of the human spirit. It is crafted such that the reader accompanies the writers not as a spectator but as a partner. Who hasn’t felt despair, who hasn’t longed for understanding, for truth, for freedom? Each poem walks through the reader’s heart and takes hold of these lonely or fearful parts and brings them to life. Rick and Jan Sikes’ pain becomes your own and the journey very real.
This book lingers and creates vulnerability. Wherever hardness resides, it melts as one poem after another opens the doors of the heart. I highly recommend Discovery. It is a journey of the soul.
This book lingers and creates vulnerability. Wherever hardness resides, it melts as one poem after another opens the doors of the heart. I highly recommend Discovery. It is a journey of the soul.
May 25, 2017
Discovery by Jan and Rick Sikes is a powerful, compelling collection of poetry and art that has touched me deeply. The authors unveil emotions that few among us would ever reveal or even dare to claim. They take you on a journey with such candour, poised with loss and hope, and an unassuming grace that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. This is a gem of a book and a gift for the soul. Such a remarkable journey, depicting the power of the human spirit and the majestic beauty of enduring love. A highly recommended read for sure.
December 18, 2018
This collection of poetry and art by Rick and Jan Sikes is beautiful and touching. The book is well put together. I have a few favorites: Angel of Night, The Dream, My Little Dream, My Promise, and The Hobo King. Definitely deserves 5 stars.
January 24, 2017
The poems and the artwork are wonderfully done and so revealing about his artistic skills , feelings and poetic expression. The size of the book, colors, and cover compliments the contents.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews