It's Like This, Jim

New York born, ecclesiastic muralist Jack O'Brien (1925 - 2001) painted cathedrals, churches and State Capitol buildings throughout Northeast United States. When an injury ended his career, the World War Two veteran sequestered himself for six years to a small Spartan studio near Markham and Bloor Streets in Toronto, Canada. He used an overturned fruit crate for a desk, a typewriter, and a bed,and he wrote at a torrid pace for six years. From 1969 - 1975 he wrote five books. His style is readily recognizable as powerfully descriptive because of his use of colors, textures and compositions from his artist's pallet. He read his work at the Canadian Writer's Guild, where he became it's first U.S-born President.  It's Like This, Jim  was his only book of poetry and his first completed book. He describes the horror of war and renders the reader right there on the battlefield with him. His poetry on love is epic and raw. His social commentary combines humorous cynicism and acid imagery as he describes an America that is quickly disappearing. His voice and worldview are original. He makes you will feel as if you are sitting across from him having a cup of coffee, Jim.