I lovingly, fondly, affectionately, and respectfully dedicate Y E S . . . my 1st Book of Poetry to my Mother and to my Father, Mario Hilton Penick. Of all the stars in the Universe of God’s creations, my Mother and Father are at the pinnacle of the brightest shining stars. I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of praise and a justified sleep than my parents who stood by me through thick and through thin, nor my outstanding group of 4 Film Editors who taught me much of what I needed in order to begin my illustrious career in the swarming sea of life of the motion picture business in the United States. I worked with 4 Academy Award Winners in the Film Editing profession on multiple assignments: Henry Berman, Ralph E. Winters, Michael Kahn, and Evan Lottman. I was fortunate to have known them as they were quite blessed to have known me. An abundance of blessings continues to cascade on me and around me as the years roll by. The enviable opportunity to work on a Paddy Chayefsky, Ken Russell of England picture, Altered States, was superseded by highly enjoyable moments spent in the company of Gordon Parks, Sr. on Leadbelly for Paramount Pictures, and the aptly named cult classic masterpiece, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, directed by the warm welcoming genius of Ivan Dixon. Life could not get much better than that, one would think. However, the years continue to roll aces and diamonds as I experience even greater satisfactions, from time to time, as an English tutor of adorable South Korean elementary, high school, and college students as a Saturday Book Discussion Leader. The names of Estee, Eun Hye, Ha Yeon, Joo Young, Jenny, Johnny of South Pasadena, as well as all of the other eager students will always remain with me as the moments of yesterday turn into the signposts of today, smoothly segueing into the milestones of tomorrow via the International Performing Arts Academy, founded by the legendary pianist Yeon Chang. Consequently, I have no choice but to say it simply, loudly, firmly, and clearly. My objective is to win the Pulitzer Prize in Letters: Poetry for the year 2012. My plan is to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for 4 straight years starting from 2012-2015.

Thomas Penick's Review:

Thom, I'm surprised on many levels. First, you did what said you would do and that was to publish by the end of the year. You are a man of many gifts. To do what you did in that time span takes a prodigious amount of talent and concentration. You put together a collection of unique works that are mostly biographical that presents a portrait of you and your family and all who are close to you. They are all original pieces that are rich and revealing. They make for good reading and the book should be in everyone's library. Best, Charles Burnett

Preview coming soon.

Education: St. Aloysius Elementary School – Cleveland, Ohio 1954 – 1961 St. Agnes Elementary School – Cleveland, Ohio 1955 - 1956 Cathedral Latin School for Boys – Cleveland, Ohio – 1962 - 1963 Los Angeles High School 1963 – 1966 High School Diploma / Humanities Grade point average: 3.4 on a scale of 4 UCLA 1966 – 1971 B.A. Theater Arts Department / Motion Picture Division / Specialty Screenwriting Dean’s Honor Roll at UCLA – 1968 while carrying 18 units and working for United Parcel Service Grade point average: 2.648 on a scale of 4 Los Angeles City College 1967 – 1968, 1995 – 2001 Specializing in Art Studies and Painting with Professor Gloria Bohannon Deans Honor Roll 1998 and 2001 West Los Angeles School of Law – 6 months, ambition to be a Judge 1985 Work Experience: 1st Assistant Editor, Trailer Editor, Film Editor, Production Manager, Writer, Producer, Director of plays at The First Stage Actor, Writer and Director’s Workshop: Director of motion pictures Berlin Film Festival 1990 “Pohop” = “Poorhouse, Outhouse to Home, Home to the Outhouse to the Penthouse, without leaving home, without leaving the neighborhood.” Super 8 mm. feature film, unedited. 69 PICKUP - UCLA PROJECT 1 FILM – 1969 WRITTEN, PRODUCED, DIRECTED, and EDITED BY THOMAS MARSHALL PENICK – CHARLES BURNETT - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY and CAMERAMAN Several Friends - Charles Burnett Director – Thomas Penick Asst. 1969 Lady Sings the Blues - Paramount Pictures – Argyle Nelson, Editor / Thomas Penick Assistant Film Editor – 1st job in motion picture business and joined the Motion Picture & Television Editor’s Guild - 1972 The Horse - Charles Burnett Productions – Thomas Penick Asst. 1972 Love American Style - Paramount Pictures – Television - Jerry Dronsky, Editor / Thomas Penick Asst. Editor 1972 The Outfit - MGM – Ralph E. Winters – Editor – 1973 – Thomas Penick – Assistant Film Editor The Carey Treatment - MGM – Ralph E. Winters – Editor – 1973 – Thomas AMPTP TRAINEE Every Little Crook and Nanny – Henry Berman – Editor - MGM – 1973 – Thomas Penick AMPTP TRAINEE One is a Lonely Number - MGM – David Saxon – Editor – 1973 – Thomas Penick AMPTP TRAINEE Adam’s Rib - TV series - MGM – Hugh Chaloupka – Editor - Thomas Penick 1st Asst. Editor 1973 Slither – TV Pilot – MGM – Hank Battista – Editor – Thomas Penick 1st Assistant Editor 1973 The Fuzz Brothers - TV PILOT - Felton Perry & Louis Gossett – Michael Kahn – Editor - Thomas Penick 1st Assistant Film Editor – 1 hour and ½ hour version - MGM The Courtship of Eddie’s Father - MGM – Marv Adelson – Editor - Thomas Penick AMPTP TRAINEE 1972 The Spook Who Sat By the Door - BOKARI PRODUCTIONS – Michael Kahn – Editor – Thomas Penick 1st Assistant Film Editor - 1972 Nightmare Circus – Michael Kahn, MK Productions – Film Editor – Tom Penick, First Assistant Film Editor - 1972 Blood’s Way - THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE - Stan Taylor – Director – Tom Penick, Associate Film Editor and Production Manager - 1972 Shaft - TV Series - MGM – George Folsey, Jr. - Film Editor - Thomas Penick 1st Assistant Film Editor 1973 Nakia - TV Series - COLUMBIA PICTURES – Hugh Chaloupka – Film Editor – Tom Penick 1st Assistant Film Editor - 1974 Leadbelly – Gordon Parks, Sr. Director – Thomas Penick, 1st Assistant Film Editor and Projectionist & actor @ The Sukey Jump Dance in the film - Paramount Pictures - 1975 Altered States - WARNER BROTHERS - 1979 – 1980 – Stuart Baird & Eric Jenkins – Film Editors Thomas Penick First Assistant Film Editor – first one hired in Post-Production and the last person terminated from the picture at its conclusion by Producer Howard Gottfried – Paddy Chayefsky screenplay – Ken Russell of England, Director - Starring William Hurt & Blair Brown. 240 - Robert TV Series - RICK ROSNER TELEVISION – Film Editor Richard Fetterman, 1st Assistant Editor Thomas Penick 1981 George Washington mini series – MGM – Director Buzz Kulik, Film Editor, Les Green – Thomas Penick 1st Assistant Film Editor 1981 Tuskeegee Subject 626 - THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE – LeRoi McDonald, Director – Thomas Penick – editorial supervisor and co-financier with Jon Voight & Grant Tinker - 1975 Wednesday - AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE - STAN TAYLOR, Director – Thomas Penick - Associate Producer - 1975 My Brother’s Wedding - CHARLES BURNETT PRODUCTONS – Charles Burnett, Director – Thomas Penick – Film Editor and Production Manager – cameo role as “Dead Body in Coffin – 1983-1985 For Us, the Living: “The Medgar Evers Story” - Michael Schultz Productions – Michael Schultz – Director – Harry Keramidas, Film Editor – Thomas Penick, Associate Film Editor - Ken Rotcop Productions. - 1985 Trailer Editor for Domestic Television Syndication - MGM – Thomas Penick Trailer Editor for Domestic Television Syndication MGM - Chuck Silvers, Supervisor – 1975 -1978 Guests of the Hotel Astoria - RAFIGH POOYA Producer - Take 7 Productions –Thomas Penick - Assistant to Charles Burnett – Charles Burnett, Director of Photography – 1985 All American Girl – MGM – Directed by Jerry Schatzberg – Film Editors Evan Lottman & Richard Fetterman – First Assistant Film Editor Thomas Penick - 1976 Black Sister’s Revenge aka Emma Mae – Bea Bob Productions, JAMAA FANAKA PRODUCTIONS – Jamaa Fanaka, Director – Thomas Penick, Associate Film Editor - 1976 A Case of Privacy – Directed by Mel Damski – Film Editor David Finfer – 1st Assistant Editor Thomas Penick 1985 Hurry, Cane Season – Main Title Sequence designed by Thomas Penick – starring Thomas Penick 1983 – 1985 Produced by Tom Penick, Story by Tom Penick, Directed by Tom Penick / Director of Photography and Cameraman, Charles Burnett – MGM Opticals and MGM Title Department – Bob Schaeffer Pohop - THOMAS PENICK PRODUCTIONS – Thomas Penick – Writer – Producer – Director – Starring Thomas Penick – Fred Penick – D.C. Penick - Berlin Film Festival 1990 Super 8 mm. color feature film. Berlin Film Festival 1990 “Pohop” = “Poorhouse, Outhouse to Home, Home to the Outhouse to the Penthouse, without leaving home, without leaving the neighborhood.” Super 8 mm. film taken to Berlin in dailies form. I had a lot of technical support from the German technicians at the Berlin Film Festival in 1990. They gave me a black Zeiss Ikon film splicer that I still own. I lodged at the Hotel Excelsior, Room 307 Hildenbergstrasse, Berlin. (WORK IN PROGRESS W.I.P.) Salute – Directed by Ji Hoon Park of South Korea at Art Center School of Design in Pasadena – Thomas Penick – co-starring role as “Shoesmith.” The Arsonist Sketch - THOMAS PENICK PRODUCTIONS ( w.i.p ) – Writer – Executive Producer – Director and Film Editor Thomas Marshall Penick - Starring Chester Whitmore and Thomas Penick – 1999 ( Work in Progress W.I.P. ) 16 mm. color feature film. The Back Yard – Directed by Thomas Marshall Penick - 2003 - 2005 Executive Producer and Screenwriter: Sébastian Déhi of the Ivory Coast The Assistant – Directed by Thomas Marshall Penick 2003 Executive Producer / Screenwriter / Camera and Film Editor / Starring role as “T, Thomas 4 time Nobel Prize Winner.” “The Assistant: The Cane Collection.” Executive Producer / Director / Screenwriter/ Editor and Star Thomas Penick - 2003 The Lafayette Chronicle - Editor in Chief, columnist - 1984 - 1987 The Wellington Square Newsletter - Editor in Chief, columnist - 1999 Voices Newsletter – Boyle Heights – bi-lingual English & Spanish newsletter. Thomas Penick, Senior Writer and Columnist - 1996 - 1999 Riverbank Judo Club Quarterly Newsletter – Thomas Penick, Writer and Editor in Chief - 2001 to present UCLA Alumni Association – Life Member, the Armand Hammer Museum, LACMA Museum, Contributor to the UCLA Annual Fund. UCLA: Research Assistant for Chairman Colin Young, Theater Arts Dept., for the entry into the motion picture division of 20 minority filmmakers, 5 Asians, 5 Native Americans, 5 Hispanics, and 5 Afro Americans. Colin Young Chairman of the Motion Picture Division at UCLA, Supervised by Assistant Professor Elyseo J. Taylor 1969. Nommo Newspaper - UCLA - I wrote two film reviews in the early 1970’s at UCLA on Gordon Parks. The Black Student’s Union Newspaper, Nommo, was subsequently taken over by the UCLA Daily Bruin newspaper. Selected as one of 18 college students in the United States and Canada to build a one story hospital building in the village of Mobaii in Sierra Leone on the Operation Crossroads Africa Program, as a UCLA student in 1967. Don Hartsock was a member of the selection committee. I was a Resident of Rieber and Sproul Halls at UCLA. Poem entitled “YET” selected as a finalist in the International Library of Poetry Contest, 2000. Thomas Marshall Penick / note: The company double billed me so I withdrew my poem. Volunteered to read applications for scholarships for incoming freshmen in the Fine Arts Department during the last two years of Chancellor Charles E. Young’s term 1997 - 1998. Founded two companies, Thomas Penick Productions, Inc. and Penick Productions, Inc. 1983 & 1977 ( to stockpile my creative works ) Inactive – suspended by the State of California Tutored a South Korean rhythm and blues singer in English pronunciation. Tutored a Japanese exchange student at Santa Monica City College in her English composition classes. Tutored an Egyptian student at Los Angeles City College in her ESL class. Participant in the 1996 and 1997 Los Angeles Marathon Bike Tour. 26.2 mile course completed in 81 minutes in 1996. Saturday Book Discussion Group Instructor: Lois Lowry’s “Number the Stars” / 6 Korean middle school students advanced students / Hancock Park 2004 Graduate of Los Angeles High School - 1966 with a 3.4 gpa. I was vice-president of Boys Senior Board, columnist, page editor and feature writer on the Blue & White school newspaper, and a member of the Usher’s Club. I was also a member of the Columbia University Writer’s Seminar in the summer of 1965, when I was a junior at LA High School. We read and discussed novels and short stories under the guidance of one of the graduate students in Columbia’s English Department. Awarded a full 4 year academic scholarship to Cathedral Latin School for Boys in Cleveland Ohio, 1962. Brother Frank Nurthen, S.M., awarded the scholarship to me. I ranked in the upper ½ of 1 %ile of all the Catholic school boys in the nation in 1961. I scored in the 99th %ile range in all of my subjects, except for math. I ranked in the 97th %ile in mathematics. Advanced Placement English and Advanced Placement European History at Los Angeles High School in 1966. I passed the CBEST test with the intention of becoming a substitute English teacher in 1987. I have taken three years of Spanish, 4 years of French, one year of Latin, one semester of Italian and one semester of German. AWARD OF MERIT CERTIFICATES: Los Angeles High School – meritorious service as Features Writer Los Angeles Blue and White June 18, 1965 Meritorious service as Features Editor on the Los Angeles High School Blue and White Jan. 28, 1966 Meritorious service as Features Editor on the Los Angeles High School Blue and White June 17, 1966 Outstanding service on the Usher’s Club at Los Angeles High School 1966 Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Motion Picture Film Editors, Local 776 In recognition of satisfactory completion of the training program 1972 signed by Billy H. Hunt, Executive Vice President, AMPTP; Eugene Arnsten, Vice President, AMPTP; John W. Lehners, Business Representative Local 776; Charles A. Silvers, Chairman, Film Editors Training Committee 1972. LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE – I am a Golden Circle Member: Ivan Houston, President; John W. Mack, Executive Director 1977 – 1978 Certificate of Appreciation Presented to THOMAS MARSHALL PENICK – Naturalization Section Volunteer in the United States District Court, Central District of California – November 22, 1985 Manuel L. Real, Chief Judge Award of Merit for OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT – MIO PROGRAM at Gateways Satellite 3rd day of APRIL 1991 Certificate of Achievement – Participating in Vocational Skills Workshop – 24th day of February 1992 – Gateways Satellite – Joseph Tillman, Ph.D. Certificate of Completion – Successfully completed the CHANGE OF HEART – Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program 6-10-92 Certificate of Achievement – CLIENT OF THE MONTH – 25th Day of MAY 1994 – Joseph Tillman, Ph.D. Gateways Satellite Los Angeles City College – Dean’s Honor List For Outstanding Scholastic Achievement – Fall 1998 Thomas M. Penick - Mary Spangler, President Los Angeles City College – Dean’s Honor List For Outstanding Scholastic Achievement – Spring 2001 Thomas Marshall Penick – Mary Spangler, President Music: I like jazz, hip-hop, country western, Spanish and classical music. Essentially, I like all kinds of music. Hobbies: Acrylic painting, abstract, abstract expressionistic. Football, basketball, track, soccer, baseball, tennis, swimming, exercising and lifting light weights, reading and writing, writing and receiving letters, and listening to spoken word poetry. Member of Local 776, the Motion Picture and Videotape Editor’s Guild from 1972 - 1987. Currently retired: Strong interest in people with disabilities and Minority education. I would like to be a facilitator, expediter. I write screenplays, short stories, novelettes and stories for children. When I return to the film industry, it will be as an Executive Producer and writer. UCLA Statement of Purpose I was selected through UCLA’s Operation Crossroads Africa program to spend the summer in the village of Mobai in Sierra Leone. I was one of eighteen American and Canadian students. I was the youngest of the group. As a result of our efforts, The Eastern Clinic at Mobai was founded in 1967. This was an important venture because it served a population which had no hospitals for a 400-mile radius. I kept in touch with Dr. Bockari M. Kobba for over 20 years and, although I never returned to Africa, I was kept informed of the subsequent companies which he built, such as a palm oil factory, a soap factory built around a compound which by this time has expanded to seven one story hospital buildings. In many respects, I count this experience as a defining moment. In 1967 there was civil unrest in the United States, but I decided to go to a foreign country and lend a hand to begin something that was sorely needed. The second incident that is etched in my memory from my days as an undergraduate occurred when Professor Colin Young, then the chairman of the Motion Picture Division at UCLA, asked me to be one of two students to help enlarge the population of Minority students in the department. As a result of all our efforts, twenty new students who would not have been able to get into the department were admitted and made outstanding first film projects. I remember that there were five Afro-Americans, five Hispanics, five Asians and five Native Americans. The psychological toll on me was immense; nevertheless, we met our objectives and ushered in a different kind of filmmaking perspective at UCLA. The third watershed occurred when Charles Burnett asked me to help him on his UCLA thesis film, “Killer of Sheep.” Although I was unable to help him because I had a heavy commitment at the major film studios, I recommended my sister, Christine R. Penick, who had no prior experience in the field. Burnett put her to work as a sound mixer. Christine was recently awarded a 5th Degree Black Belt in judo, which is the highest belt anyone can get. She remembers the time she helped Burnett and was thankful for me getting her on his picture. Burnett’s film was chosen by The Library of Congress to be permanently preserved in its historical record of films. Years later, after Charles won the Critic’s Prize in 1979 at the Berlin Film Festival for “Killer of Sheep,” I helped him for two years to get “My Brother’s Wedding,” off the ground, edited and produced from 1983-1985. I had a lot of help from Lorimar Pictures on it. So I donated my time in an effort to get a fellow UCLA filmmaker into the Hollywood arena, and I’ll always remember the experiences that we had on that picture. The last incident that I remember most about UCLA and how it shaped my life to a certain extent, took place when Gordon Parks, Sr. directed “The Learning Tree.” Charles and I were highly critical film students back then. We thoroughly analyzed it. We walked to the Nommo newspaper office and I wrote a review of the picture. Four years later I was selected to work on “Leadbelly,” and met Mr. Parks. I told him the story of the newspaper review. He laughed because by then I knew how difficult it was to make a movie. We made “Leadbelly.” Parks was the director and that is also how I learned to play tennis, at the Beverly Hills Hotel, with Gordon Parks as my partner in a doubles match. I know his New York phone number even though I may not know any other director’s direct line. I call him from time to time. I sent him a Christmas card and a letter in 2000. He called me on Dec. 14th, 2000. He was 93. I was 56. That’s what I remember. Now, I am 63 as of June 2011. CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM AMAZON.COM 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars YES..., February 25, 2011 By michaelpalmieri - See all my reviews This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) Thomas Marshall Penick is a pioneer in this age´s process of distributing his writings, poetry and films via the web. We are now fortunate to have a hard copy of his exquisite writings and poetry. Some pf Penick´s poems are personal, written for and about people in and circumstances of his life; while, others, and for that matter all the writings, are extraordinarily universal, touching the reader with the distinctive emotions that this writer weaves. Penick´s vision, his style and the approach that he takes, when laying out the writings on the page, are unique, innovative and satisfying. Thank you Thomas Marshall Penick for the opportunity to enter your thoughtful, intellectual, artistic and most enjoyable world! One hopes that this collection of writings will earn its proper due. It is prize-winning artwork! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment (1) 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars YES THOMAS, September 8, 2011 By Lover of Spoken Word - See all my reviews This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) I truly enjoyed the pages of this book. He brings to life, life on the pages and paint stories, share thoughts and leave you wanting more of his poetry. His creative style says a lot about the author, eclectic, yet rewarding. I recommend this book for reading. I have walked through the pages! Queen Amanyia YES...1st Book of Poetry Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Yes! Book of Poetry, June 9, 2011 By Caryn - See all my reviews This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) Yes! Book of Poetry. Thomas out did himself with this one. Best book of poetry I have ever read! Carolyn Frison Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars "YES....1ST BOOK OF POETRY" .THOMAS M. PENICK, March 25, 2011 By ROBYN - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What´s this?) This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) I was mesmerized and pleased to see a new male, an Afro-American with an engagingly charming smile, on the front cover of his "YES...1st Book of Poetry" as an author. The front cover says it all, when you look at the author´s smile depicting the culmination of years of profound thought. After the struggle for recognition and possibly believing "Somebody said it couldn´t be done," as an African American man. During this era of trials and tribulations to prove to himself and to share with the world, "YES...1st Book of Poetry," was finally published on 1/11/11. For years, I have looked for an eclectic, original and new genre of poetry, exciting explorations of humanity flowing freely, Haiku Poetry, free verse, intellectually rewarding and enriching poems, that reaches out to all ages, all genders, a myriad of global interests that stretch from birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, generative adults, middle aged, and golden ages. There is something to be learned from each page of his book of poetry. Therefore, it is didactic, touches on real life issues, yet, in a fanciful, ethereal sense that captures the magnitude of remembrances seen from the author´s point of view taking us from childhood through adulthood. One can appreciate how Mr. Thomas Marshall Penick has incorporated the moods, a unique style with its simplicity and candidness in form, shape, and attitudes through areas of photography with the pictures that accompany the poems. He is visually painting pictures with words of beauty, simplicity, elegance, and exquisite sensitivity. This moves one to turn page after page for "MORE," "MORE," "MORE," variety. Welcome, enter and understand a new way of life, a new way of seeing and perceiving things, far from the humdrum, raucous, vicious, devastating destruction of mind and body. We see, hear, and read about our "so called intellectual, humanitarian society´s adventures," on a globally daily basis. So, buy the books, feed the mind, change the world! You´ve made a believer in me. Thank you, Mr. Thomas Marshall Penick!! Myrtle and Naomi Goff LOUIS C. SIMPSON JR., M.D. 3756 Santa Rosalia Drive Suite 210 Los Angeles, California 90008 (323) 299-1262 In my opinion, YES…1st Book of Poetry is the finest American work by a new author since Longfellow, one of my favorite American authors The poem which most stands out is Thomas Marshall Penick’s “Clear the Waters”. The essence of the international relationships I have developed throughout the years are captured magnificently in this particular poem because it demonstrates the need for extending the hands of international friendship across borders and across countries so that better understanding and compassion can arise. This excerpt is inspirational: We find as we wander On this fertile earth Kindred souls among us In this country and that nation Who inhabit all that we touch Every feeling that we express Like an opening suddenly closing We grasp beauty where we can . . . In quiet moments, I am comforted when I re-read this poem. In my Psychiatric practice, I have shared this soothing poem with my clients. Louis C. Simpson Jr., M.D. I became a widow on July 26, 2011. The Poems that I read in “YES . . . 1st Book of Poetry” by my brother, Thomas Marshall Penick, helped me to cope with the loss of a mate, a partner, a friend, a lover, and the Father of my twin children. The pain of my loss was mitigated, at times, when I read “Children Have I None.” I have had children. I have had a husband. Now, I have my children; however, I do not have my husband. The pain that I felt was like nothing I had ever experienced in my life. When I read the Poem, “Her First Passion,” I was reminded of the opening days of my relationship of my husband, when the first throes of passion reigned supreme, when I did not know up from down. We weathered the first few years of our relationship and I am pleased with that. The Poem, “Forever, My Love” signaled a time when time had no meaning and the streaks on my cheeks, I wiped gently away, for there are no more tears to be shed, ere I rest my head upon my bed, alone, without a husband, to face the trials and tribulations of a life, possibly without a partner, forever left to fend for myself, to pay bills that I did not know existed. The Poems in Thomas Marshall Penick’s outstanding book seem to speak directly to me, of the pain that I have experienced and the path that lies before me. I highly value this book of poetry. It is absolutely inspirational and life sustaining to me. -Christine Penick Lincoln My introduction to YES…1st Book of Poetry was approximately 9 months ago. You will find upon opening the book, Thomas Marshall Penick has written a dedication to his parents like no other I have read. From the opening, I knew instinctively that this indeed was going to be a bound collection of pages with promise of great pleasure. Each poem deals with life, which has become my life. The emotions Thomas Penick evokes from me are of a personal nature. He was not aware of what a profound effect his vision would have on me. My life and its difficulties are being re-examined by three particular pieces that he has written. “The Rhythm” gives me hope that my journey in life will define me in the most positive of ways, and to let no one’s judgement of me take over my dreams. “A Justified Sleep”" has clearly given me the advantage and relief to aid in my rest when I lay my head upon my pillow. “But memories are always with us,” and “Yet I shed these tears,” have been a constant in my life for nearly 3 years now. I read this prior to sleep and I have not woke up in a state of shock or denial for a while now. Finally, “Children Have I None” touches me to the innermost part of my heart and soul. The demands of parenthood and the amount of nurturing it takes to raise your children needs to be done in a loving and consistent home environment. I find this to be the best piece of all. I have the distinct honor of calling the author “My Father.” Thank you, Dad, for letting us enter your amazing world of creative intelligence. Y E S . . .1st Book of Poetry is indeed worthy of high recognition. I recommend this book to everyone. Sincerely, Deborah A. Tuhy It is my pleasure to review Thomas Marshall Penick’s “YES…1st Book of Poetry”. In 51 years as medical doctor, I have had only one client as an Author of Poetry. That person is, in my view, an absolutely brilliant poet, Thomas Marshall Penick. I have read many of the great Russian novelists: Tolstoi, Turgenov, Dostoyevski, and poets Pushkin and Lermontov. I feel that Thomas’ future is quite beautiful and he is on the path to become a great American poet. Yakov B. Treyzon, M.D. 5.0 out of 5 stars YES..., February 25, 2011 By michaelpalmieri - modern classical composer, New York This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) Thomas Marshall Penick is a pioneer in this age´s process of distributing his writings, poetry and films via the web. We are now fortunate to have a hard copy of his exquisite writings and poetry. Some of Penick´s poems are personal, written for and about people in and circumstances of his life; while, others, and for that matter all the writings, are extraordinarily universal, touching the reader with the distinctive emotions that this writer weaves. Penick´s vision, his style and the approach that he takes, when laying out the writings on the page, are unique, innovative and satisfying. Thank you Thomas Marshall Penick for the opportunity to enter your thoughtful, intellectual, artistic and most enjoyable world! One hopes that this collection of writings will earn its proper due. It is prize-winning artwork! The poetry of Thomas Penick, December 30, 2011 By CB - Film Director This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) Thom, I´m surprised on many levels. First, you did what said you would do and that was to publish by the end of the year. You are a man of many gifts. To do what you did in that time span takes a prodigious amount of talent and concentration. You put together a collection of unique works that are mostly biographical that presents a portrait of you and your family and all who are close to you. They are all original pieces that are rich and revealing. They make for good reading and the book should be in everyone´s library. Charles Burnett Guggenheim Fellowship MacArthur Grant Fellowship Ford Foundation Fellowship Critic’s Prize: 1979 Berlin Film Festival “Killer of Sheep” Library of Congress permanently preserved “Killer of Sheep” in historical film registry YES THOMAS, September 8, 2011 By Lover of Spoken Word - See all my reviews This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) I truly enjoyed the pages of this book. He brings to life, life on the pages and paint stories, share thoughts and leave you wanting more of his poetry. His creative style says a lot about the author, eclectic, yet rewarding. I recommend this book for reading. I have walked through the pages! Queen Amanyia YES...1st Book of Poetry Yes! Book of Poetry, June 9, 2011 By Caryn - See all my reviews This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) Yes! Book of Poetry. Thomas out did himself with this one. Best book of poetry I have ever read! YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) I was mesmerized and pleased to see a new male, an Afro-American with an engagingly charming smile, on the front cover of his "YES...1st Book of Poetry" as an author. The front cover says it all, when you look at the author´s smile depicting the culmination of years of profound thought. After the struggle for recognition and possibly believing "Somebody said it couldn´t be done," as an African American man. During this era of trials and tribulations to prove to himself and to share with the world, "YES...1st Book of Poetry," was finally published on 1/11/11. For years, I have looked for an eclectic, original and new genre of poetry, exciting explorations of humanity flowing freely, Haiku Poetry, free verse, intellectually rewarding and enriching poems, that reaches out to all ages, all genders, a myriad of global interests that stretch from birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, generative adults, middle aged, and golden ages. There is something to be learned from each page of his book of poetry. Therefore, it is didactic, touches on real life issues, yet, in a fanciful, ethereal sense that captures the magnitude of remembrances seen from the author´s point of view taking us from childhood through adulthood. One can appreciate how Mr. Thomas Marshall Penick has incorporated the moods, a unique style with its simplicity and candidness in form, shape, and attitudes through areas of photography with the pictures that accompany the poems. He is visually painting pictures with words of beauty, simplicity, elegance, and exquisite sensitivity. This moves one to turn page after page for "MORE," "MORE," "MORE," variety. Welcome, enter and understand a new way of life, a new way of seeing and perceiving things, far from the humdrum, raucous, vicious, devastating destruction of mind and body. We see, hear, and read about our "so called intellectual, humanitarian society´s adventures," on a globally daily basis. So, buy the books, feed the mind, change the world! You´ve made a believer in me. Thank you, Mr. Thomas Marshall Penick!! Myrtle and Naomi Goff Washington, D. C. Cleveland, Ohio Los Angeles, CA YES...1st Book of Poetry (Kindle Edition) My name is Dr. Louis Simpson. I have read many poetry books. I feel that this book is a collection of well thought out words, beautiful and moving. I admired ´Yes´ and I feel that Mr. Thomas Marshall Penick is on the path to become a great American poet. Los Angeles, CA Pulitzer, Come on With It, January 22, 2012 By jamaa fanaka - film director, writer, producer This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) As a filmmaker who has known the author, Thomas Penick, since our halcyon days at the UCLA Film School, I am awfully proud of his development as an artist with such a beautiful and profound command of the written word. I began reading Yes... and could not put it down until I had finished the wonderful work in the wee hours. What especially impressed me was the universality of his poems. It is my fervent hope that Yes... is translated in many languages, for it has something to say for every human being on the planet. It is my understanding that Tom has a massive novel ready for publication, and if it is near as great as Yes...I cannot wait to "curl up" again ´til the wee hours with the upcoming work. Congratulations Tom for an excellent and touching book of poems. Pulitzer Prize, be(a)ware. Penitentiary Trilogy Jamaa Fanaka Director / Writer / Producer Penitentiary – 1980, highest grossing independent film with $15,000,0000.00 grosses Ford Foundation Fellowship Rockefeller Fellowship New York State Arts Commission Fellowship YES...1st Book of Poetry / The significance, November 16, 2011 By Thomas M. Penick "writer / Poet / filmmaker" (Hollywood, CA U S A) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: YES...1st Book of Poetry (Paperback) All 64 original and unique poems in my first book of poetry have been designed to play individually or as springboards into feature films, long form plays, performance art, and songs. There is a staccato rhythm, almost jazz like and intense that I use for many of the poems. They are designed to be heard more so than read. Perhaps in 2012 I will make audio CD´s so that this will be possible. The title "YES..." was deliberately chosen to serve as an affirmation, a positive hurrah that I had completed a book that is now in consideration for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize Letters: Poetry. I will know the results of my efforts on April 16, 2012 when the Pulitzer selection committee chooses the 2012 winners. I wrote many of the poems within a relatively short time frame. Some were written while I was waiting for my sister to cut my hair. All of the poems are designed to give the reader my insights into world situations, in part; while other poems are expressly written for children. In a few of the poems, I consider the aging process as well as the early times in one´s life when life was much simpler than it is now. The 1st poem, Clear the Waters, was written as a thank you for my friend, Mauro Cerri of Italy. He had painted an exquisite portrait of me and sent it to me in 2007. This poem is perhaps my most favorite poem along with the 64th and last poem, Forever My Love. The 64th poem, Forever My Love, was written with my grandparents as sources and inspiration as well as models. It is a celebration of life and it is also a milestone, of sorts, for the aging that takes place and one´s reaction to the passing of time and the love that goes into long term relationships. The 4th poem, Collecting Friends, was written for my niece and nephew. This poem has a multitude of layers on a symbolic and natural level. It is about fear of the unknown as well as the necessity to make friends on many platforms. It has to do with international friendships as well as local friendships The 5th poem, Picnic, was written for young children from a foreign county. Any country will work. It is designed for 3 players. The young man interacts with 2 ladies and they discuss the roles that they will go through as they mature. There is a certain charm and warmth to this poem that speaks volumes about the duties and responsibilities that all of must face at some time in our lives. The 6th poem, When I Was Nine, is another favorite. The time frame of pre-teen exuberance is tempered with the realization that life has gone by or will go by and that these times of our youth are special and to be always treasured. It has to do with memory and the return home. It is particularly well-suited to young people who come from another country and find themselves living in a land that is quite different from the country of their birth. The 7th poem, Children Have I None, has as its theme the nourishment of a caring garden of life in which children flourish, learn, and are comfortable in being who they choose to be. The 9th poem, Queen Olga - Perm, The Russian Federation, is a moving tribute to the impending death of my father. The poem is written in such a way as to suggest that the beauty that Olga represents is nothing compared to the loss of one´s father. The 27th poem, The Rise, Demise, and Early Sunrise of Jimbo INSPECTED, is a tribute to a fellow poet from Poland who decided to end his life in the Lodz River in Poland in 2007. The 29th poem, "A Prime to Z Poor," has to do with a riches to rags construct. In this poem, when one has much, more is given. Conversely, when one has little to nothing, nothing is added. The 31st poem, Her First Passion, is from the point of view of a young woman who repeatedly loses in love. It is a bittersweet poem. In the end, she realizes the mistakes that she has made in her life and we get the feeling that she has learned from this. The 63rd poem, Brigitte Bardot Express, was written while I was listening to music from a female singer in New York. It is a tongue in cheek sort of response to the lyrics that I heard and moves beyond the song to an impassioned, sweet and instructive lesson in communication and action. It is my homage to the French actress, Brigitte Bardot, who was the sexiest lady in the world during my early years of life in Ohio. Within the poem, there is an attempt to show how two people communicate and listen to one another. It is about a woman and a man. One is naïve, after a fashion, yet listens closely to the instructions that are given in "how to drive my car." It is a metaphor for the love making process and the critical need to pay attention to the needs of another person. Best, Thomas Marshall Penick - Author 11/16/11 “Y E S . . . 1st Book of Poetry” by Thomas Marshall Penick is “in consideration for the Pulitzer Prize Letters: Poetry Winner to be notified 16 April 2012 2nd book, “ABSOLUTELY! The Novel Collection” to be published in April of 2012 Action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, and a “tiny bit” of romance Available for purchase in August of 2012 by the global audience Thomas Marshall Penick CANDIDATE Los Angeles City Council District 13 HOLLYWOOD Election takes place on 5 March 2013 The Two Ton Elephant: Years of Jamaa Fanaka by Thomas Marshall Penick 03/31/2012 0 Comments The 2 Ton Elephant: Years of Jamaa Fanaka A REVIEW OF MR. FANAKA’S EMMA MAE & PENITENTIARY written by Thomas Marshall Penick I attended UCLA from 1966 – 1971, majoring in History and then Sociology before settling into my niche in the Theater Arts / Motion Picture Division / Specialty Screenwriting for my undergraduate degree. I was persuaded by Professor Elyseo J. Taylor to become a research assistant in the Fall of 1969 to help facilitate the entry into the Motion Picture division for the entry of 20 minority students, Black / Asian / Native American / Hispanic. This initial journey resulted in outstanding first films by the participants in the program. Years later, I was introduced to Mr. Jamaa Fanaka by Charles Burnett. Burnett told me that Jamaa would be “BIG” in Hollywood. I said, “Oh?” I worked on “Welcome Home Brother Charles,” briefly and I was request