“‘Poetry’ by a Fool for a Lesser Fool” Book Review by Shelby Horton - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JANUARY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 31 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

“‘Poetry’ by a Fool for a Lesser Fool” Book Review

By Shelby Horton, Staff Writer
March 8, 2017 at 03:36pm. Views: 21

GRAND TERRACE>> Poetry is considered one of the most elegant ways of describing a story, a journey or person in either a blunt or metaphorical way. Grand Terrace resident Mark E. Carlsbad's book, “‘Poetry’ by a Fool for a Lesser Fool” is an intimate collection of poems exploring varying topics of loneliness, love, loss and life. Carlsbad has created a collection of poems that takes an unapologetic look at the trials of marriage and being in love with someone. Each poem is able to stand on its own, but together they create a cohesive story about a man dealing with the trials and tribulations of his marriage. Great examples of this are Carlsbad's poems “Despotically Yours” and “A Precious Gemstone.” In "Despotically Yours,” Carlsbad describes chasing the love of his life as her moods change like the weather causing him both pleasure and pain in their love life. Its raw emotion and honesty are what makes it so relatable. This is in stark contrast to Carlsbad's other poem in the collection titled “A Precious Gemstone”, which has more of a romantic soft tone. It reminds one of Shakespeare’s Romeo voicing his love for his Juliet as he holds her up as a coveted prize. The contrast in his poems adds more to the story, giving it sharp arches to emotional aspects to this intimate journey Carlsbad is taking us on. But he also treats us to some of his other literary talent, such as his fictional poem “I Left my Soul on Neptune” and his social commentary on the State of California's poem titled “Hellifornia (ode to California)” Overall, I’d give this book a 9 out of 10 for its creative and raw emotion that the collection of poetry conveys to its audience. It’s easy to follow but a variety of poetry styles also help to keep the reader sharp and entertained throughout the entire book.

Related Articles

Athlete of the Week – Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer & Photographer

March 28, 2024 at 06:10am. Views: 393

GTHS Athlete of the Week Kenneth Jaquez on January 16, 2024 at the GTHS Varsity Boys soccer game against Rim of the World High School.

2026 Riverside County Educators of the Year!
Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 359

Site Support Employee of the Year Casey Rogers and Dr Edwin Gomez

GT Modern Dentistry Brings the Smiles
Photo Courtesy of: Elysia Fernandez

By Stella Pierce , Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:34pm. Views: 581

GT, modern dentistry team and Doctor join Mayor Bill Hussey , Jeff Allan councilman ,Doug Wilson, councilman Matt Brown councilman Matthew Hernandez chamber chair, Jason greeley chamber chair Michelle Sabino Mayor pro tem

MLK Day
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 02:06pm. Views: 402

MLK’s legacy is a living reminder that progress takes intention, courage, and compassion. 
Photo: Stone statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing with arms crossed, carved into a large granite block at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, against a clear blue sky.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 223

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez

Relief for Storm-Impacted Property Owners
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 449

A residence shows visible damage from flooding, mud and debris following severe winter storms that began Dec. 23, which brought heavy rain and debris flows to mountain and high desert communities across San Bernardino County. This week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved recovery-related fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild as response and long-term recovery efforts continue.

Woman-Led Manufacturer Thrives With Workforce Support
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 295

Kathy Bodor, president of Plastics Plus Technology at the 2025 Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards Gala.

MoVal Adds to the City’s Growing List of World-Class Employers
Photo Courtesy of: test

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 317

test

Colton Woman’s Club Presented Community Impact Award
Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Luis S. Gonzalez

By Nick Zupkofska, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 322

Congratulations to Delma Lesdesma, President of Colton Woman's Club (CWC)! Standing next to her, from left to right, are Council Member, Dr. G, and CWC Board Members, Andrea Garcia and Norma Gonzalez. Check out why Delma is smiling brightly for her well-deserved award!

Pet of the Week: Franki
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 743

Franki, a male, two-year-old, brown and blue brindled American Bulldog mix.
Add this loveable sweety to yourt family!

Dignity Health Spreads Holiday Cheer with Inspiring Acts of Service and Donations to Those in Need

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 478

Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, proudly continued its enduring tradition of community service and healing by extending support to thousands of families across California with essential provisions and heartfelt gifts for the holidays

Remembering
Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Scwab

By Ariel Schwab Morris, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 822

Thomas Joseph Schwab, a respected public servant whose leadership helped shape the City of Grand Terrace.

--> -->