Rhyme from the Shallow Wells

This book of poetry is a real gem. The author brings a wealth of life experience to cover many diverse topics with passion, healthy skepticism, and humor. The reader is in for a treat as you see through the author's eyes many wonderful "worlds" and the characters inhabiting them, such as the strange but uniquely talented Taxidermy Ted.

Poems in this work explore thoughts on the enigmatic nature of life, touching on popular "isms" and trends. Myths are debunked, showing that the courage and integrity of our heroes can be revealed in a simple contest but can be distorted by even the most authoritative historical treatment. Two characteristics of Mr. Nichols's verse are particularly special: a short vignette before each poem explains why he wrote the poem and his careful crafting that furnishes every work with the most appropriate rhyme and meter.

Author and Pulitzer Prize winner James McPherson once said, "Poetry can be worth many lines of prose to evoke the pathos of experience." If you read these poems with intent, you will recognize past experiences brought forth by a man at the top of his intellectual and artistic game. I believe you will come away moved by Mr. Nichols's well-written poems in this excellent rendering.

Raymond F. Morgan, EdD

Emeritus Professor of Education

Old Dominion University