"US Review of Books, February 2014
RECOMMENDED by the USR
“…(Few) compilations are as thorough and encompassing as Point of Reference. Seals…most intriguing poems are those where he digs deeper on topics that humanity is so afraid to look in the eye….Seals never ceases to impress with his understanding and utilization of rhythm and rhyme. Poems such as ""Heartstring"" deliver an almost musical feel....Overall, Seals poetry is infused with vivid imagery….Without a doubt, this is a must read that will likely be a source for healthy discussions in society.”  
Reviewed by Mihir Shah

ForeWord Reviews, June 2013
Five Stars (out of Five)
""...Point of Reference, is like taking a peak into someone’s diary. These lyrical poems offer the reader thought-provoking metaphors about the realities of the world, from a brief encounter with a robin to tough topics like abortion and assault....The diverse points of view and confessional voices provide new lenses with which to see the world....The poems encourage the reader to take a step back from familiar situations in order to see from a new angle and react against the status quo.""  
Lisa Bower

""Some of the poems are very insightful and make you delve into the topic questioning your own beliefs. Others are very dark and I felt very uneasy reading them as if I was looking into someone’s soul and their deepest, darkest secrets.""
Bobbie Lutz
Dover, Delaware

""Poetry is a metaphor for life and humans have worked to reflect our lives in poetry the way other craftsman have left their marks on the world in stone or marble. The effect of poetry as art is similar, and as profound, and often as lasting and durable in its own form.

In his latest collection of poetry, Mr. Seals has gathered ideas as diverse as can be conceived, but their disparity holds common the art of humanity. Images of cows in pasture share pages with grappling with a father’s death and the author’s thoughts on extremist ideals.

It is obvious from the beginning through the end that Mr. Seals wishes to provoke thoughts on tough topics and hold a mirror to the ideals we sometimes hold dear. Many of the pieces he has chosen for the collection tackle topics that we as a community often deal with and even dwell on, but topics we rarely choose for polite discussion. These issues are dealt with in digestible parts that help us quantify and understand our own emotions.

One’s decision to have an abortion, or dealing with domestic abuse in a religion that condemns divorce are not debates we often choose to have, but issues that require thought and consideration nonetheless. Good poetry succeeds when it exposes life’s truths in a way that makes us re-examine our beliefs and re-consider the viewpoints. Mr. Seals succeeds in squaring the righteous and moral with his sparse prose and lays bare many emotionally fraught issues.""
Amanda MacDonnell
Yorktown, Virginia
"

Point of Reference

By R.B. Seals

Trafford Publishing

Copyright © 2012 r.b.seals
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4669-4024-6

Contents

Grazeland.....................................1Iniquity......................................2Nandaleena....................................4Dispensation..................................5This Day......................................8Full Circle...................................9Allegiance....................................12Far Point.....................................13A Higher Calling..............................14Emissary......................................16Castaway......................................18Light of Day..................................19School Daze...................................20Lives on the Edge.............................25Faction Nation................................27Limericks ~ part..............................129Wishing.......................................30Ode to the White Dove.........................32Good Tidings..................................33Sentinel......................................35Dawn's Early Light............................36Continuum.....................................39Carnival......................................41Bearers of the Faith..........................43Where the Rabbits Run.........................44Casualty of War...............................49La Maison du Mystère.....................51Rise and Fall.................................53Life Force....................................55Change of Life................................56Failure Analysis..............................57Limericks ~ part 2............................59On Holy Ground................................60Span of Control...............................62Heartstring...................................63On Diverging Course...........................65Star..........................................66Ruminations...................................67Anderson Bay..................................70Locality......................................73Eight Twenty-Three............................75Status Quo....................................77The Lesser Kind...............................79Brief Encounter...............................80Nemesis.......................................82A Wish 4 You..................................83Voyageur Infini...............................84Crossroad.....................................86Limericks ~ part 3............................88Solstice......................................89Running on Empty..............................90Fade From Glory...............................92Descendant....................................94Counterworks..................................95Lamentation...................................97Winners' Circle...............................99On Self Destruct..............................100Crimson Tide..................................102Messenger.....................................104February Day..................................105Escapade......................................107Past Light....................................109Mandate for a New Age.........................111Natural Resource..............................113Annotation....................................114Valediction...................................115

Chapter One

    Grazeland


    Standin' unfettered in pasture fair
      Where fleas and flies often share,
      Happy cows chew cud from hay
      As spindly calves near mothers stay.

    Shaded under nearby chestnut trees
      Bovines gather and stand at ease,
      Keepin' cool under midday sun
      While droppin' patties just for fun.

    Down by communal Crystal Creek
      Where fauna and flora often speak,
      Conversations cover events of day
      While local kids on shoreline play.

    Yonder way stands Farmer Fred
      Lookin' like he's just been fed,
      Feelin' good as he surveys his spread—
      His source of income, his daily bread.

    Scannin' sky o'er waves of heather,
      He looks for signs of changin' weather.
      All in all, life is good down on the farm
      With all its country, down-home charm.


    Iniquity

    Don't mess with our kind for
      Hate is the cross we bear.
      In homes and halls,
      We'll voice our noble cause—
      Your concerns of little care.

    As disciples of extremist doctrine, we speak
      Against minorities and society's weak;
      Your fears fuel the motivation our
      Gestures, rallies and actions bespeak.

    Proudly, we've mastered parent's attitudes
      That structured our formative years,
      An education based on disparaging epithets
      And slurs that rudely assault your ears.

    Honoring ideals of our founding fathers
      That serve to make this country great;
      We work to keep pure and wholesome the
      Race the good Lord chose to consecrate.

    Protected by freedoms you enjoy, our mission
      Finds support through God's good grace;
      A call to duty to protect our kind,
      Insuring our children's rightful place.

    Despite scorn and hostility by lesser
      Breeds, our people shall endure:
      To maintain our blessed line,
      To achieve a nation white and pure.


    Nandaleena

    A combination of curse and treasure
      Stands before tired and troubled eyes;
      A collection of charm, beauty and
      Tender grace he would realize.

    Touched by warmth of her voice and
      Manner, and beauty of face and form,
      Her welcoming eyes meet his
      And she quells the inner storm.

    Unique, an encounter that could bring
      Rest and relief and hope to his soul,
      A safe harbor offering sanctuary to an
      Anxious heart—a refuge...