Poetry the 13th: John Murray McKay

In the mood for a little classic romance?  Author John Murray McKay may be just what you need!  While my editorial eye did catch on a few cliché phrases and grammatical errors, as we are all guilty of from time to time, the wonderful use of metaphor and advanced and descriptive vocabulary bring McKay’s visions to full-color life.  If a whole set of acrylic paints spilled onto the Travel channel and seeped into its best shows, you might end up with this.  I felt as if I were floating in a comforting, inky blackness as I read.  I especially enjoy I Would Have, Dreams and The Last Poem.

I Would Have is a bittersweet tale of unrequited love.  My heart latched on to the extravagant phrasing of feelings I have had many a time and these are my favorite lines in all of McKay’s poetry: 

"I would love to run my hand through your wild hair

seeing the music notes escape from it" 

"your skin has always been my favourite canvas

a canvas of texture

of life"

Emotion evoked memories of the magical, sparking energy I experience when my universe collides with those of the right others.  I found myself missing the act of turning simple physical contact into an art form, taking something that can be so mundane and transforming those actions into a completely new and unexplored wilderness.

Dreams touched me in a completely different way, showing that McKay’s talents transcend beyond the boundaries of romance.  I find myself hesitant to say too much about this work, should it take away from the full impact it had on me.  Dreams reads as descriptive prose exemplifying everyman's dreams which every man seems to fall short of; unfortunately, some more than others.

The Last Poem is an endearing window, into the author watching his daughter grow up.  His pride is shadowed by having to let his protectiveness go, to facilitate her independence.  This poem is very relatable to me, as a writer, with such lines as,

"Hold and keep it safe

For words are all I have"

In the end, it is our words that remain and, by writing his down, McKay has left a legacy that will live on.

You can find John Murray McKay’s poetry here, though he has since moved on to novel writing.  In fact, he already has a very unique book, which you can delve into for free until November 1.  It will then be released for purchase on Amazon, in December.  Get it while it’s hot, over here.  You can also connect with McKay, himself, on his facebook.