Facing Ourselves in Silence discusses an array of topics from everyday life. The collection talks about love, regret, frustration, but also understanding and forgiveness. As human beings, we all face the anxiety of life. It is the human experience to cry, laugh, and wonder why we are here. It is also normal to feel alone during this process called life. This book shows the reader that they are not alone. Throughout the reading of this book, one will experience many different emotions. However aside from those emotions, there are deeper contexts in the words.
Topics such as poverty, discrimination, abortion, human rights, and social injustices are not avoided. By creating a dialogue on these topics, we can begin the steps of solving these social ills. Facing Ourselves in Silence is not just a journey of self. That is only part of the story. Some poems will make you laugh and smile, while others will make you wonder and think. Some may even make you mad or cry. There are no black or white lines many times in life. Usually, there is a large gray area on feelings and emotions on issues. This book explores that gray area so that by the end of the collection, the reader has grown in thought, understanding, and vigor to help this world become a better place. Whether it is the human experience or the talk on social issues, Facing Ourselves in Silence gives the reader a glimpse of the broad human experience. We feel sometimes, despite everything we do, that sometimes words are just not enough.
Robert J. Patrick is an educator, poet, journalist, and community organizer in Knoxville, Tennessee. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Robert has used his life to serve, mentor, and uplift people. Being reared by his mother, the obstacles were initially stacked against him. Despite coming from a low socioeconomic background and no avenues of expression available, Robert decided not to fall into the traps of this environment. Taking his early lessons from his grandmother, Robert decided to commit to become a vessel of positive change in the world.
His academic journey began at The Piney Woods School, in Piney Woods, Mississippi. There he learned the value of hard work, determination, and creativity. The Piney Woods School expanded his love of books and everything, poetry. After graduating, Robert went on to attend Alcorn State University. After five years there, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After working in research and writing for a short time, He graduated from Jackson State University. After he received his Master in Arts in political science, Robert began a career of community organizing and teaching. From working with community development programs, political education initiatives, and speaking out on social issues, Robert continues to focus on his life purpose: help humanity and uplift his community.