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Blacked
BLACKED comprises Roman's first conceptual poetry collection. It is thematically designed in a series of four sectional sequences that follow a young, native, boy on his journey. The entire collection is written as a narrative poem with each of the 38 poems written as an account of the central character's journey. The journey is physical in form, but spiritual in nature, and the adventure incorporates elements of the boy's geographical progress with Swahili and Arabic language elements. You'll note that the four sections are written in Swahili, translated to city, desert, savanna, and jungle. As the boy moves through the sequences of the tale he undergoes a recombinant transformation of essence and spirit, ultimately descending into a jungle of darkness which casts a physical manifestation of the torment and internal travesty he holds within. With a slew of nods to classic literary works, from The Iliad's Odyssey to Catch-22, this work is the most dense and thoughtful project Roman has undertaken to this point. The authentic motifs in language and culture create an immersive experience that takes you inside the boy's spiritual and psychological metamorphosis, joining the reader with the young boy on his pilgrimage.
122 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Roman Newell
9 books30 followersRoman Newell was born in the Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon. He received his undergraduate education from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he majored in Arabic Studies and concentrated in Mechanical Engineering. He commissioned into the United States Army as an infantry officer and served honorably in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. His two deployments took him to austere outposts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today he is a major in the Army Reserves. He relishes new challenges which have often included marathons and various endurance events. His running has taken him around the world: from a marathon in Jordan to the streets of Paris. He spent time working with native Arabic speakers in 2007 and relied on these skills during his time abroad in 2009-10. He has a passion for skydiving, a scuba diving certification, and is working on bringing forth his own podcast. World travel will always hold a special place but he loves the coastal mountains of Oregon and spends most of his time with his favorite Belgian Malinois, Zima. Roman writes from wherever he is, and never stays put too long. He is working on his next book.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 1, 2020
Roman Newell creates not only a visually stunning piece of literature to look at, but the depth of the words behind the visualization is also a work of art. It’s different in that the placement of words on the page actually make the reader pause, race, breathe, run—move! And yet, it’s not so different, in that we’ve seen this tradition of the epic poem before, the journey of the hero, a journey riddled with hardship but ultimately, strength. Though the hero’s journey this time is that of a young boy, of course, we can’t help but realize this boy resides in us all, in anyone who has been on a journey, most importantly, a spiritual one.
Split into four sections, City, Desert, Savanna, and Jungle, Newell introduces us to a boy who meets friends in the form of animals, but a boy who also is running, running from something dark, something we know and fear, and yet, something we aren’t exactly sure of. The levels of meaning and metaphor assure us, the physical places and this jungle of darkness is much more figurative than literal. We mustn’t get bogged down by trying to figure out each place, each location, each foreign word introduced to us, but instead, simply allow ourselves to take the journey too, to let the inexplicable emotions touch us, hoping this darkness, these demons the boy endures, will be defeated. We not only champion him; we champion ourselves.
And the pace of the writing mirrors this. At times, dense and difficult, at other times, succinct and clear, we are always moved by the adept talent found within the pages of Blacked. Newell’s word choice and phrasing and imagery and attention to details within allusions, simply move us the way the words move, the way the boy moves; and like the boy, himself, we too are transformed.
This isn’t a quick read or pop poetry or a fad of the day. I, myself, continue to read it, slowly, quickly, and then all over again. With time, with quietude, with pondering moments of deep thought, we come to see not only a deeper part of the poet he so openly gifted us but parts of ourselves.
Who among us hasn’t battled demons? Who among hasn’t felt death’s door closing in upon us? Who among us hasn’t felt abandoned at one time or another? And who among doesn’t long for peace? No one living. Blacked, then, is the journey of being human. We are strong. We can endure. We aren’t alone. And the poet reminds us: There is nothing we can’t overcome when we chase the light.
Split into four sections, City, Desert, Savanna, and Jungle, Newell introduces us to a boy who meets friends in the form of animals, but a boy who also is running, running from something dark, something we know and fear, and yet, something we aren’t exactly sure of. The levels of meaning and metaphor assure us, the physical places and this jungle of darkness is much more figurative than literal. We mustn’t get bogged down by trying to figure out each place, each location, each foreign word introduced to us, but instead, simply allow ourselves to take the journey too, to let the inexplicable emotions touch us, hoping this darkness, these demons the boy endures, will be defeated. We not only champion him; we champion ourselves.
And the pace of the writing mirrors this. At times, dense and difficult, at other times, succinct and clear, we are always moved by the adept talent found within the pages of Blacked. Newell’s word choice and phrasing and imagery and attention to details within allusions, simply move us the way the words move, the way the boy moves; and like the boy, himself, we too are transformed.
This isn’t a quick read or pop poetry or a fad of the day. I, myself, continue to read it, slowly, quickly, and then all over again. With time, with quietude, with pondering moments of deep thought, we come to see not only a deeper part of the poet he so openly gifted us but parts of ourselves.
Who among us hasn’t battled demons? Who among hasn’t felt death’s door closing in upon us? Who among us hasn’t felt abandoned at one time or another? And who among doesn’t long for peace? No one living. Blacked, then, is the journey of being human. We are strong. We can endure. We aren’t alone. And the poet reminds us: There is nothing we can’t overcome when we chase the light.
January 23, 2020
I was drawn to the dedication for Blacked. What was it that the little boy had to fight so hard? I began the journey alongside the boy, wanting to protect him. Gradually I realized , he had much to teach me, if only I would open myself to the lessons he presented.
To be on this journey was a rare gift, one of intense struggle of which most cannot imagine. Those that have lived such an incredibly difficult journey, many times push it down where it festers and explodes. Roman's use of the boy's journey to express his own stuggles took me on a deeply insightful and spiritual journey.
I became so deeply in tune with the boy's journey; I couldn't stop thinking about him. This work was so powerful I read and reread it, savoring it and walking with the boy. I heard and felt the beating of the boy's heart.
I'm walking with the boy. He wakes me up at night, and speaks to me with deep black eyes full of need for connection for his native roots to bring him back to the soft light. No glaring light...he seeks soft warm light. An open hearted woman of truth and understanding takes him into her heart. Patiently she allows him to seek his roots and find peace. She allows him to teach her of what he has learned and lived.
This is a great piece of work. I am intensely affected by it. Blacked is the crescendo of Roman's previous work; a symphony of raw gut-punching realizations leading to spiritual growth.
To be on this journey was a rare gift, one of intense struggle of which most cannot imagine. Those that have lived such an incredibly difficult journey, many times push it down where it festers and explodes. Roman's use of the boy's journey to express his own stuggles took me on a deeply insightful and spiritual journey.
I became so deeply in tune with the boy's journey; I couldn't stop thinking about him. This work was so powerful I read and reread it, savoring it and walking with the boy. I heard and felt the beating of the boy's heart.
I'm walking with the boy. He wakes me up at night, and speaks to me with deep black eyes full of need for connection for his native roots to bring him back to the soft light. No glaring light...he seeks soft warm light. An open hearted woman of truth and understanding takes him into her heart. Patiently she allows him to seek his roots and find peace. She allows him to teach her of what he has learned and lived.
This is a great piece of work. I am intensely affected by it. Blacked is the crescendo of Roman's previous work; a symphony of raw gut-punching realizations leading to spiritual growth.
February 2, 2020
Amazing book by a talented author.. This is not just a book of poetry is a narrative book of poetry that takes you on a journey of a little boy... To pull follow this journey without wanting to put the book down.. I loved it.. It got you in all the feels and it's one book y'all will wanna check out ...you won't be disappointed whenever you do
February 1, 2020
Blacked is New Age Poetry.
Blacked is New Age Poetry.
It is not your typical book of poetry
Blacked takes you on a journey through the eyes of a young boy. The journey he ventures on isn’t for the faint of heart. It is not only a mental and physical challenge, but a spiritual awakening.
You visually, physically, and mentally journey with him through a city, dessert, savanna and jungle. At times you are hanging on the edge of your seat barely breathing. You feel every step through his journey. He has astonishing strength to accomplish what he has physically, spiritually and mentally endured through this journey
Roman Newell’s poetry is captivating, uplifting and invokes all senses. He has a gift with words.
Even the word structure in Blacked, is intriguing.
Blacked is a must read, a phenomenal read!
Blacked is New Age Poetry.
It is not your typical book of poetry
Blacked takes you on a journey through the eyes of a young boy. The journey he ventures on isn’t for the faint of heart. It is not only a mental and physical challenge, but a spiritual awakening.
You visually, physically, and mentally journey with him through a city, dessert, savanna and jungle. At times you are hanging on the edge of your seat barely breathing. You feel every step through his journey. He has astonishing strength to accomplish what he has physically, spiritually and mentally endured through this journey
Roman Newell’s poetry is captivating, uplifting and invokes all senses. He has a gift with words.
Even the word structure in Blacked, is intriguing.
Blacked is a must read, a phenomenal read!
February 9, 2020
Blacked is another of Roman Newell's fine works. One that hit particularly close to home. Some will read this and see themselves walking behind if not beside the young boy, I found that there were many times throughout the story I walked in the same shoes.
The Journey of the young boy and all his struggles I believe were Romans own, and we are privileged enough to go along on their journey. Roman did a wonderful job telling this story through the young boy.
When dealing with ones past we struggle. We find that it is not that simple to stay true to ourselves. Our journey's are all different in so many different ways. We as individuals have decided which forks to take in which roads. We all take separate journey's to get to the places we are at now. This is Romans...
Roman, thank you sir for a wonderful story through magnificent poetry! I found that in so many spots throughout this, instead of seeing you through the young boy, I very easily could have been looking in the mirror. What you have done here is truly amazing, and left me awestruck! As always, I highly recommend!
The Journey of the young boy and all his struggles I believe were Romans own, and we are privileged enough to go along on their journey. Roman did a wonderful job telling this story through the young boy.
When dealing with ones past we struggle. We find that it is not that simple to stay true to ourselves. Our journey's are all different in so many different ways. We as individuals have decided which forks to take in which roads. We all take separate journey's to get to the places we are at now. This is Romans...
Roman, thank you sir for a wonderful story through magnificent poetry! I found that in so many spots throughout this, instead of seeing you through the young boy, I very easily could have been looking in the mirror. What you have done here is truly amazing, and left me awestruck! As always, I highly recommend!
February 12, 2020
This is my 1st poetry book by Roman Newell and I am extremely surprised and happy I got it, it totally exceeded my expectations.
Blacked captivated me from the very 1st poem, poem that guided me to immerse myself into a deep level world of literature.
All poems are excruciating beautiful, with a profound meaning that a broken soul can understand in a deeply level.
This book takes you through a journey of an intense adventure led by a boy. A boy that has a mysterious way to make you feel what he feels, which It's remarkable unique!!
The Darkness, the perish, the loneliness is so palpable that you want to crawl inside the book, lock it, and console this boy's soul.
The pain, the sorrow, the wrath are inevitable, making you feel the torment and anguish of the person where those words came from.
The journey will riled you up, you will feel the demons, you will feel the hardships and the shattered life you don't expect to see in anyone, and although the book give you the insight of someone's deep dark thoughts, it also gives you the hope that nothing is impossible when you seek the right passage and light in the abyss.
I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from Roman Newell.
Blacked captivated me from the very 1st poem, poem that guided me to immerse myself into a deep level world of literature.
All poems are excruciating beautiful, with a profound meaning that a broken soul can understand in a deeply level.
This book takes you through a journey of an intense adventure led by a boy. A boy that has a mysterious way to make you feel what he feels, which It's remarkable unique!!
The Darkness, the perish, the loneliness is so palpable that you want to crawl inside the book, lock it, and console this boy's soul.
The pain, the sorrow, the wrath are inevitable, making you feel the torment and anguish of the person where those words came from.
The journey will riled you up, you will feel the demons, you will feel the hardships and the shattered life you don't expect to see in anyone, and although the book give you the insight of someone's deep dark thoughts, it also gives you the hope that nothing is impossible when you seek the right passage and light in the abyss.
I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from Roman Newell.
February 5, 2020
AVAILABLE NOW
TIME TICKS DOWN,
Can you see what’s coming?
BLACKED has ARRIVED!
It's a poetry | narrative collection unlike anything you've read...
What readers are saying
"baring the soul and cutting the vein to the very artery of the text"
"a symphony of raw gut-punching realizations"
BLACKED
Universal Ebook Link
⌲ https://bit.ly/35YIylu
Author Signed & Personalized Paperbacks
⌲ https://bit.ly/2WvcaCE
Add to your TBR shelf at Goodreads!
⌲ https://bit.ly/2tKI8SJ
Urgent chatter of the skin drum.
They’re coming.
RUN.
TIME TICKS DOWN,
Can you see what’s coming?
BLACKED has ARRIVED!
It's a poetry | narrative collection unlike anything you've read...
What readers are saying
"baring the soul and cutting the vein to the very artery of the text"
"a symphony of raw gut-punching realizations"
BLACKED
Universal Ebook Link
⌲ https://bit.ly/35YIylu
Author Signed & Personalized Paperbacks
⌲ https://bit.ly/2WvcaCE
Add to your TBR shelf at Goodreads!
⌲ https://bit.ly/2tKI8SJ
Urgent chatter of the skin drum.
They’re coming.
RUN.
February 1, 2020
TIME TO FACE YOUR RECKONING…
The unknown journey that we face is risk and gamble. It paths twisting and unwinding with each step taken. Steps that can be a meandering of slow discovery, other times, full out momentum to outrace what we have caged within.
What happens, when a poet pushes against restrictions and boundaries? To risk it all, to set no limits… DARE TO DREAM?
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
BLACKED is what happens. Roman Newell has accomplished so much inside of BLACKED.
BLACKED starts you at the beginning of a scene, almost like the poetry was gifted into the hands of a scriptwriter to wield magic. You are instantaneously set on your own spirit/vision quest alongside the young boy and his author. Blacked takes you through a myriad of twists and turns until its conclusion — its end of scene.
Embark on this journey, as you outrace the darkness contained within. A spiralling through one’s hellish nightmares, stumbling blocks, that threaten to tempt and prevail. BLACKED sweeps you up in a visual feast, through the lens of a young native boy as he struggles to find belonging, as he ventures through personal trials and tribulations, his spiritual awakening, to make peace, searching for the dovetail in his fabric of life.
"I write to discover, I write to uncover. I write to meet my ghosts. I write to begin dialogue”
~ Terry Tempest Williams
Roman Newell has gifted readers, an impeccably crafted poetic | narrative with BLACKED. It’s engaging, a dark suspense of intensity that uncovers and unravels. Words that splinter, that cut with fine precision, to the very heart of internal/external struggle. Real, yet often times, the metaphoric words/imagery provoke an abstract, surrealistic experience, soaking you in a minefield of emotional turmoil that leaves you wondering if there is enough left inside to protect innocence against the insidious struggles that lurk deep, if they can be conquered.
BLACKED moves you from one extreme to another, across the real / surreal structures of internal /external cultural locales, over time, past and present. Where age, time, and location is not finite. Words that are woven in rich visual imagery and compelling word play, they hum across inked pages and chanted drumbeat to the end. It’s alive and fluid, much like blood flowing through the veins, it’s richness “a vessel that sweeps across life’s canvas” creating mood and tone as each scene is traversed.
Poem: XVII
“and we are on hands and knees encouraging embers to become flame holding tinder like a runaway child,”
~ Roman Newell
BLACKED will not be an easy read, especially for those unfamiliar with Roman’s poetry. Its mood is sombre and heavy for the most part. BLACKED is not meant to be easy an easy read. It’s going to require your utmost attention to its detailing. Time to continually digest each poem, in considered thoughtfulness. The entirety and its underlying message.
Poetry that evokes and provokes you to pause and consider. Poetry that will make the heart feel weary, your mind weighted in despair until sorrow is cleansed and you find warmth and rest. To recognise within the darkness, the need to protect with all you have, that inner glimpse of innocence, determination, and perseverance. To continue finding hope, light, and home. When your hope is just a spark, blow gentle the embers, ignite the flame, nurture the burn. Not too engulf but to wrap yourself in its comforting warmth and peacefulness. Hearts journey home. Sanctuary.
“Sanctuary, bring me sanctuary, bring me rest, one more step, pace the legs, another, another…”
~ Roman Newell
Authoritative! This is Roman Newell’s definitive mark on contemporary poetry. Visually engaging with lush description, textual detail, and flow. A recommended read, that not only leaves you questioning your own path through life it will be poetry that engages people in healthy discourse on subjects that can be deemed controversial.
This young native boys journey has much insight and lessons to be obtained. It’s not just the boys journey, it’s not just the authors journey… BLACKED becomes YOUR journey. Take your time, thoroughly sit with the words, absorb them, to seek your own clarity and purpose through the lens of a young native boy and its author.
Roman Newell… thank you for gifting your poetry to the world. Its poetry that will engage people in discourse. Never stop exploring, nor pushing boundaries with your poetry and stories.
The unknown journey that we face is risk and gamble. It paths twisting and unwinding with each step taken. Steps that can be a meandering of slow discovery, other times, full out momentum to outrace what we have caged within.
What happens, when a poet pushes against restrictions and boundaries? To risk it all, to set no limits… DARE TO DREAM?
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
BLACKED is what happens. Roman Newell has accomplished so much inside of BLACKED.
BLACKED starts you at the beginning of a scene, almost like the poetry was gifted into the hands of a scriptwriter to wield magic. You are instantaneously set on your own spirit/vision quest alongside the young boy and his author. Blacked takes you through a myriad of twists and turns until its conclusion — its end of scene.
Embark on this journey, as you outrace the darkness contained within. A spiralling through one’s hellish nightmares, stumbling blocks, that threaten to tempt and prevail. BLACKED sweeps you up in a visual feast, through the lens of a young native boy as he struggles to find belonging, as he ventures through personal trials and tribulations, his spiritual awakening, to make peace, searching for the dovetail in his fabric of life.
"I write to discover, I write to uncover. I write to meet my ghosts. I write to begin dialogue”
~ Terry Tempest Williams
Roman Newell has gifted readers, an impeccably crafted poetic | narrative with BLACKED. It’s engaging, a dark suspense of intensity that uncovers and unravels. Words that splinter, that cut with fine precision, to the very heart of internal/external struggle. Real, yet often times, the metaphoric words/imagery provoke an abstract, surrealistic experience, soaking you in a minefield of emotional turmoil that leaves you wondering if there is enough left inside to protect innocence against the insidious struggles that lurk deep, if they can be conquered.
BLACKED moves you from one extreme to another, across the real / surreal structures of internal /external cultural locales, over time, past and present. Where age, time, and location is not finite. Words that are woven in rich visual imagery and compelling word play, they hum across inked pages and chanted drumbeat to the end. It’s alive and fluid, much like blood flowing through the veins, it’s richness “a vessel that sweeps across life’s canvas” creating mood and tone as each scene is traversed.
Poem: XVII
“and we are on hands and knees encouraging embers to become flame holding tinder like a runaway child,”
~ Roman Newell
BLACKED will not be an easy read, especially for those unfamiliar with Roman’s poetry. Its mood is sombre and heavy for the most part. BLACKED is not meant to be easy an easy read. It’s going to require your utmost attention to its detailing. Time to continually digest each poem, in considered thoughtfulness. The entirety and its underlying message.
Poetry that evokes and provokes you to pause and consider. Poetry that will make the heart feel weary, your mind weighted in despair until sorrow is cleansed and you find warmth and rest. To recognise within the darkness, the need to protect with all you have, that inner glimpse of innocence, determination, and perseverance. To continue finding hope, light, and home. When your hope is just a spark, blow gentle the embers, ignite the flame, nurture the burn. Not too engulf but to wrap yourself in its comforting warmth and peacefulness. Hearts journey home. Sanctuary.
“Sanctuary, bring me sanctuary, bring me rest, one more step, pace the legs, another, another…”
~ Roman Newell
Authoritative! This is Roman Newell’s definitive mark on contemporary poetry. Visually engaging with lush description, textual detail, and flow. A recommended read, that not only leaves you questioning your own path through life it will be poetry that engages people in healthy discourse on subjects that can be deemed controversial.
This young native boys journey has much insight and lessons to be obtained. It’s not just the boys journey, it’s not just the authors journey… BLACKED becomes YOUR journey. Take your time, thoroughly sit with the words, absorb them, to seek your own clarity and purpose through the lens of a young native boy and its author.
Roman Newell… thank you for gifting your poetry to the world. Its poetry that will engage people in discourse. Never stop exploring, nor pushing boundaries with your poetry and stories.
June 5, 2020
I was not prepared for this to be so reflectived of the author's time in the Middle East. Once I was comfortable with that, I was able to enjoy the poetry more. Trigger warnings for dark content.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews