Marshmellow Softness and Rock Hard Taffy is a synopsis of the love experience. It is a message that must be heard. The fairy tale stories about love are not sufficient in the real world. Joyce Marie Jones has provided the poetry world with a much needed book that can be shared with mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends. This author tells a passionate tale of love from the beginning poem. She describes the profound phases of loving someone. Included are descriptions of the ups and downs and in-between periods felt in a loving relationship. Although realistic in descriptions, the dialogue is uplifting and hopeful. We actually experience common everyday words that transport us to the Triumph of the love experience, "We strut to the melodious tones that bare once bridled desires. Both lean on the edge of anticipation as the romance unfolds." Ms. Jones pinpoints the intricacies of love. From the honeymoon phase to the heartbreak of dissolving a relationship. The book is arranged to de-mystify the human story that is often colored by lack of factual information. With a flair for manipulating the English language, Ms. Jones becomes a storyteller. The presentation of images that are universal in content makes this book a must read. You will find your own story in this book. Certainly you become a life character. Your own meaning of loving will be challenged by descriptors that are sometimes holy and sometimes taboo. Everyone needs to listen to the voice of Jones that is heard in this book. The book is erotic in pure form and pleasure will be gained by all readers. Tastefully written, Ms. Jones has created a masterpiece on the topic of relationships and love.
I am the eldest of 9 children of which 4 are women. My mother and all of my sisters are engaged in providing social services. None of us actually planned to become a family of social service workers. It is the field that allows for creativity, the ability to affect change and the ability to have a positive impact upon others and the community and the nation as a whole. I have worked in the field of social services for about 25 years. It is a field that I love. It is a field where I can observe change. It is a field that has been the backbone of affecting both community and societal impressions about many diverse groups in this country. These groups have included change regarding races, women, children, immigrants, political systems, rights, and preferences � Social Work is a field that has proven excellent for poetic observation. The first poem I recall reading was in middle school and I feel in love with the cadence of reading out loud. I became fascinated with the sound of words expressing an idea and the arrangement of words. Later, I learned the theatrics of poetry performance through the Thespian Club. My main club in high school was Thespian, where I won trophies for performing American poetry throughout Illinois. As an undergraduate at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, my hometown I was editor for The Poetry Factory Press. Our poetry club branched out and our first book The Otherwise Room was an anthology with poetry entrees from international poets. The press published several anthologies and solo artists. During this time I became known as the Campus Poet. I was invited to perform for many occasions including christenings, weddings, and social events. In 1985 I moved to Chicago where I began a Social Work career. I continued to perform poetry at both public and private venues. Following the mobile trend of the times I have lived in the following cities: San Francisco, New York, and Denver. Currently I reside in Chicago, IL. At Fordham University in New York, I received a Masters in Social Work. My life as a poet continued and I performed original works in both public and private settings. Throughout my tenure as a poet I have read on stage with the notables Haki Madhubuti, Amiri Baraka, Gwendolyn Brooks and many others . Throughout the years I have always defined myself first and foremost as a Poet. Most recently I have accepted the designation of writer. My first novel will be published next year. In the meantime, this is my first solo book of poetry. I continue to enjoy crystallizing moments and experiences into poetry.