Writer Poet McCullough offers the reader a meandering poem beginning with “Translations from the writings of Iyouhesheit Weyoutheyme.” McCullough provides insight into life: at any moment of the day there is life. Our emotions are explored before the writer leads the reader into a glimpse into the life most of us share: “Born of a lineage of emigrants…” and McCullough guides us along a journey our ancestors chose. “Religion” is investigated before McCullough steers our thinking to the present: “I add to my generation, but remain within my own life.” Turning to new sentiments McCullough shows the reader how The planet where we live transforms. I especially enjoyed the refrain dealing with Conversation of weather. A conflict of values is presented in lines meant to be read, and then read again. While the notion that each Season is made for another. The lines delving into I: I of creatures, I of spirit, I of person I of myself, I of communities and farms and … give the reader a peek into ourselves in ways we may not have thought to explore before. Predilection that Time has no emotion or that people while the same are all different at the same time is not an easy concept to grasp. Land, millions of acres is presented along with the poet’s thoughts dealing with Personal commitment and inherent trust. A Love of being alive and simple pleasures of a day round out the work. “If” leads the reader into considering many thought provoking tenets. If there were no written words… The Rite of Passage extends to the reader a touching, momentary view into one man’s introspection as he investigates an abundance that life has to offer. Most of us never reach so deep within ourselves to bring forward what may be the foremost of what make us human. Writer/Poet McCullough adroitly captures matchless and bittersweet significance in this ardently written, thought provoking work. The measure and accustomed language used by the writer bestows magnificent cadence to the reading. Unassuming but puissant in significance and sentiment presented in an uncomplicated style; The Rite of Passage is enhanced by extension, showcasing a sequence of stirring reflections. The free verse format is excellent here and effect space for the reader to participate in the emotions stirred by the poet’s muse. Charming verse with sweeping appeal. I like the fervent explicitness of this distinctively expressed, refreshing write. The flow is as the current running over a well worn riverbed in this eminent rhetoric.

A stimulating read offered by a talented writer/poet; The Rite of Passage is a reflective, perspicacious work with many messages imbedded in it. Happy to recommend.

Reviewed by: Molly's Reviews molly martin

Genre: Poetry Author: . Joseph McCullough Line/Publisher Six Gallery Press http://www.sixgallerypress.com/ ISBN: 0-9746033-5-X Available: Amazon