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Taste the Wild Wonder: Poems
In Taste the Wild Wonder, fresh new poetic voice John Mark Green takes the reader on a transformative journey, awakening the heart to see the world with new eyes. This imaginative collection explores life, mortality, meaning, creativity, love, wonder, and nature, through the windows of 71 poems and 11 interior illustrations.
These poems are infused with what the Japanese call yūgen - "a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe ... and the sad beauty of human suffering" (Benito Ortolani), and wabi-sabi - the beauty of impermanent, imperfect, and transient things.
Since 2014, John Mark Green has grown a worldwide following for his poetry on social media. This is his first book.
"John Mark Green writes with soul and weaves poetry from love and bones and fire. His new book is art and includes illustrations that complement the words beautifully."
—Jacob Nordby, author of Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives
"I make my living, in large part, working on science documentaries like "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" and "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman." As such, John's poetry, and the celestial muse that inspires and infuses it, speaks to me at an almost cellular level. His words, enhanced by Beth Little's whimsical art, are about the profound improbability of our existence, the majesty of a cosmos seeing itself through dumbstruck human eyes, the phosphorescent beauty of everyday nature, our infinite smallness in the face of a plumbless universe, and the bittersweet acknowledgment that one day our eyes must forever close to this majestic ballet."
—Brandon Fibbs, Factual Producer
Segment writer/producer at Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman
Research Coordinator at Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
"Taste The Wild Wonder has delighted my heart with its poetic wisdom and awe-inspiring imagery. It was a joy to read, a shooting star across the sky of those who are looking to heal, to grow, and to find the light and the hope in their lives again.
(A Better Today Media book review)
—Liz Newman, author of Hope Between Heartbeats
"Taste the Wild Wonder is a rare collection of elegant observations of the eternal that doesn't get too puffed up in itself in the process. The poems contain a series of "short, sharp shocks" of recognition that are worth reading and re-reading. Some lines, like "Night is a shameless voyeur," remain long in my memory."
—Robert F. Darden, Professor - Baylor University
Author of more than 25 books, including Nothing But Love in God's Water, Volume I: Black Sacred Music from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement (Penn State University Press, 2014)
These poems are infused with what the Japanese call yūgen - "a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe ... and the sad beauty of human suffering" (Benito Ortolani), and wabi-sabi - the beauty of impermanent, imperfect, and transient things.
Since 2014, John Mark Green has grown a worldwide following for his poetry on social media. This is his first book.
"John Mark Green writes with soul and weaves poetry from love and bones and fire. His new book is art and includes illustrations that complement the words beautifully."
—Jacob Nordby, author of Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives
"I make my living, in large part, working on science documentaries like "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" and "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman." As such, John's poetry, and the celestial muse that inspires and infuses it, speaks to me at an almost cellular level. His words, enhanced by Beth Little's whimsical art, are about the profound improbability of our existence, the majesty of a cosmos seeing itself through dumbstruck human eyes, the phosphorescent beauty of everyday nature, our infinite smallness in the face of a plumbless universe, and the bittersweet acknowledgment that one day our eyes must forever close to this majestic ballet."
—Brandon Fibbs, Factual Producer
Segment writer/producer at Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman
Research Coordinator at Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
"Taste The Wild Wonder has delighted my heart with its poetic wisdom and awe-inspiring imagery. It was a joy to read, a shooting star across the sky of those who are looking to heal, to grow, and to find the light and the hope in their lives again.
(A Better Today Media book review)
—Liz Newman, author of Hope Between Heartbeats
"Taste the Wild Wonder is a rare collection of elegant observations of the eternal that doesn't get too puffed up in itself in the process. The poems contain a series of "short, sharp shocks" of recognition that are worth reading and re-reading. Some lines, like "Night is a shameless voyeur," remain long in my memory."
—Robert F. Darden, Professor - Baylor University
Author of more than 25 books, including Nothing But Love in God's Water, Volume I: Black Sacred Music from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement (Penn State University Press, 2014)
- GenresPoetry
104 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
About the author
John Mark Green
5 books100 followersJohn Mark Green is an IT tech by profession, but writing is his true passion. His poems have appeared in publications such as Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, River Poets Journal, Tuck Magazine, The Urban Howl, Thought Catalog, Elephant Journal, Psychology Today, and more. His poem "Burn Our Masks at Midnight" appears in the international bestselling book Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman.
Using various social media platforms, he has built a substantial following for his poetry both in the U.S. and internationally. His writing covers a broad range of topics, including love and romance, overcoming abusive relationships, nature, and personal growth. His writing challenges the reader to see the world in fresh, new ways.
John currently resides in Arizona and is married to the love of his life, Canadian poet Christy Ann Martine. He has published two books: Taste the Wild Wonder (poetry) and She Had a Very Inconvenient Heart (stories) He is currently working on a collection of poems and short stories called Tales of an Inconvenient Heart.
https://www.amazon.com/author/john-ma...
instagram.com/johnmarkgreenpoetry
facebook.com/johnmarkgreenpoetry
Using various social media platforms, he has built a substantial following for his poetry both in the U.S. and internationally. His writing covers a broad range of topics, including love and romance, overcoming abusive relationships, nature, and personal growth. His writing challenges the reader to see the world in fresh, new ways.
John currently resides in Arizona and is married to the love of his life, Canadian poet Christy Ann Martine. He has published two books: Taste the Wild Wonder (poetry) and She Had a Very Inconvenient Heart (stories) He is currently working on a collection of poems and short stories called Tales of an Inconvenient Heart.
https://www.amazon.com/author/john-ma...
instagram.com/johnmarkgreenpoetry
facebook.com/johnmarkgreenpoetry
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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January 3, 2020In Taste the Wild Wonder, I take the reader deeper than I can with a lot of my online poetry. There are some lengthier poems, and I put a lot of thought into the order and flow of the poems so that in reading the book, the individual poems combine to create a larger effect, taking the reader on a transformative journey. I don't want this to be just another collection of poems sitting on your shelf. I want you to be changed in subtle ways, after reading it.
Taste the Wild Wonder is a book which explores the miracle of our existence, in a world which brings both joy and pain. It asks how we should live, when time, and everything we love is quietly slipping through our fingers. I believe it will challenge you to see the world through fresh eyes; awake and awestruck. It is a call to feel deeply, and connect with your truest self. I hope you will join me on this journey.
Here are some editorial reviews of my book:
"John Mark Green writes with soul and weaves poetry from love and bones and fire. His new book is art and includes illustrations that complement the words beautifully."
—Jacob Nordby, author of Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives
"I make my living, in large part, working on science documentaries like "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" and "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman." As such, John's poetry, and the celestial muse that inspires and infuses it, speaks to me at an almost cellular level. His words, enhanced by Beth Little's whimsical art, are about the profound improbability of our existence, the majesty of a cosmos seeing itself through dumbstruck human eyes, the phosphorescent beauty of everyday nature, our infinite smallness in the face of a plumbless universe, and the bittersweet acknowledgment that one day our eyes must forever close to this majestic ballet."
—Brandon Fibbs, Factual Producer
Segment writer/producer at Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman
Research Coordinator at Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
"Taste The Wild Wonder has delighted my heart with its poetic wisdom and awe-inspiring imagery. It was a joy to read, a shooting star across the sky of those who are looking to heal, to grow, and to find the light and the hope in their lives again.
(A Better Today Media book review)
—Liz Newman, author of Hope Between Heartbeats
"Taste the Wild Wonder is a rare collection of elegant observations of the eternal that doesn't get too puffed up in itself in the process. The poems contain a series of "short, sharp shocks" of recognition that are worth reading and re-reading. Some lines, like "Night is a shameless voyeur," remain long in my memory."
—Robert F. Darden, Professor - Baylor University
Author of more than 25 books, including Nothing But Love in God's Water, Volume I: Black Sacred Music from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement (Penn State University Press, 2014)
Taste the Wild Wonder is a book which explores the miracle of our existence, in a world which brings both joy and pain. It asks how we should live, when time, and everything we love is quietly slipping through our fingers. I believe it will challenge you to see the world through fresh eyes; awake and awestruck. It is a call to feel deeply, and connect with your truest self. I hope you will join me on this journey.
Here are some editorial reviews of my book:
"John Mark Green writes with soul and weaves poetry from love and bones and fire. His new book is art and includes illustrations that complement the words beautifully."
—Jacob Nordby, author of Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives
"I make my living, in large part, working on science documentaries like "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" and "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman." As such, John's poetry, and the celestial muse that inspires and infuses it, speaks to me at an almost cellular level. His words, enhanced by Beth Little's whimsical art, are about the profound improbability of our existence, the majesty of a cosmos seeing itself through dumbstruck human eyes, the phosphorescent beauty of everyday nature, our infinite smallness in the face of a plumbless universe, and the bittersweet acknowledgment that one day our eyes must forever close to this majestic ballet."
—Brandon Fibbs, Factual Producer
Segment writer/producer at Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman
Research Coordinator at Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
"Taste The Wild Wonder has delighted my heart with its poetic wisdom and awe-inspiring imagery. It was a joy to read, a shooting star across the sky of those who are looking to heal, to grow, and to find the light and the hope in their lives again.
(A Better Today Media book review)
—Liz Newman, author of Hope Between Heartbeats
"Taste the Wild Wonder is a rare collection of elegant observations of the eternal that doesn't get too puffed up in itself in the process. The poems contain a series of "short, sharp shocks" of recognition that are worth reading and re-reading. Some lines, like "Night is a shameless voyeur," remain long in my memory."
—Robert F. Darden, Professor - Baylor University
Author of more than 25 books, including Nothing But Love in God's Water, Volume I: Black Sacred Music from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement (Penn State University Press, 2014)
August 21, 2022
There are a lot of poems in this book that really liked. Very enneagram four-esque.
September 11, 2020
Soulful
These poems reach deep into the soul and find resonance. There is raw honesty and truth to his words and they are beautifully selected
These poems reach deep into the soul and find resonance. There is raw honesty and truth to his words and they are beautifully selected
December 1, 2018
This was one of the most highly anticipated books for me, and it didn’t disappoint. Just the cover work alone by artist Beth Little was a beautiful hint of
the treasure to be discovered inside.
My attention was immediately garnered by the introductory poem, “No Other Miracle.” Each page was a treat as I digested the words and took in each of the beautiful drawings interspersed throughout the book.
Among my favorite selections were “Escaping the Asylum,” “When It Rains,” an early discovery of the author’s work years ago, and “The Long Journey Home.” I’m sure you will find that many of the lovely pieces draw you in and resonate with your soul.
Whether you are a avid reader of poetry or looking for a special gift for a loved one for the holidays, Taste the Wild Wonder is the perfect choice. Discover the gems compiled in this wonderful collection of poetry which is available in both paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.com.
the treasure to be discovered inside.
My attention was immediately garnered by the introductory poem, “No Other Miracle.” Each page was a treat as I digested the words and took in each of the beautiful drawings interspersed throughout the book.
Among my favorite selections were “Escaping the Asylum,” “When It Rains,” an early discovery of the author’s work years ago, and “The Long Journey Home.” I’m sure you will find that many of the lovely pieces draw you in and resonate with your soul.
Whether you are a avid reader of poetry or looking for a special gift for a loved one for the holidays, Taste the Wild Wonder is the perfect choice. Discover the gems compiled in this wonderful collection of poetry which is available in both paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.com.
October 7, 2019
I've been following John Mark Green's writing for years now, and I have enjoyed his writing talent... but this book is on an entirely deeper level, and showcases his talent for imagery, wit, and several different subjects... I'm not sure what it says about me, but the time machine craiglist ad was my favorite (it easily made me laugh out loud)! Unconventional, and cheeky. I truly relate to John's use of the universe and the skies above as a metaphor for the wondrous things that make up our lives; he even relates things down to a cellular level. It's been wonderful to take a peek into his mind, through these writings. I'm reminded of classic English and American poets by his style. He's so much more than the typical "poets" you'd find on social media. John Mark Green is in every sense of the word, an artist, and a poet.
October 2, 2020
I love this book, it includes so many beautiful poems. Perfect for nature lovers and those who marvel at the wonder of the universe. A wonderful read.
August 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this. I highlighted so many lines and bookmarked so many poems. Highly recommend!
January 13, 2024
Dieses Buch gefiel mir nicht ganz so gut wie die anderen vom Autor, die ich bisher gelesen habe. Ich konnte mit den einzelnen Poems irgendwie nicht so viel anfangen. 🤷🏼♀️
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews