"Yuck" you might say, as so many people have said, "this isn't a book of poetry, is it? I hate poetry." I said that too, back when I was young. If those are your first reactions, relax! No, this isn't a book of poetry. It's first a book of ideas and observations-thoughts on some very weighty topics, down to topics which matter very little at all, except they're intriguing and hopefully often amusing (though I would never claim to be a comedian). This brings us to the title, MetAmusing, which certainly needs explanation. I might have tried another "lighter" title, except this one so precisely describes my purposes (as I'll explain below) and was almost given to me-it popped into mind one day as I thought about what I was trying to accomplish and played with the original words: Meta (beyond, transcending, more comprehensive, self-reflective) Muse (to think or meditate) Amuse (to cause to laugh or smile, to entertain) Shoved together, these words formed a new one which means, since I get to define the word I invented, "to ponder, with a sense of humor, the things which matter most." Back to the first "loaded" word I mentioned, "poetry"-I have to confess, though there are several short stories and simple commentaries, more of the MetAmusings included in this book are in poetic form. But please don't get turned off expecting "high falutin," frill-laden, sickly beautiful, often confusing writing. It's just that as I thought about the topics, and then tried to write to share with you, the words flowed out poetically. I don't know if I could have said some of what I've said in any other way. Then there's the fact that I can say way too much, or struggle to say things quickly enough (like in this introduction), and poetry forces me to be precise, to pack a lot into fewer words. See, using poetry can save you time but still leave well fed-in a way it's fast food writing, except hopefully a very healthy meal, and it's usually not fast food reading-to get the most out of this book, I expect you'll want to take time to process it, to MetAmuse. Personally, I believe I have succeeded at my task by putting these thoughts and feelings into writing, and publishing them for anyone who's interested to read. I hope you'll enjoy what I have written, and then are prompted to metAmuse on your own. ---------------------------------------------------------- Preview of contents: "MetAmusing" targets youth to adult readers--anyone willing to contemplate the weightier matters of life in a serious yet lighthearted way. It's comprised of 53 diverse poems and 4 personal essays/memoirs, and is grouped into 5 sections-- (1) In "The Black Box" section, questions of life, death, God and the after-life are confronted head-on. --"A life-time banging my head against THE BLACK BOX like billions before and after me. A permanent, impenetrable mystery, a migraine..." --Nevertheless, "...I find the wonderful answers He has promised us" (pages 6, 9). (2) In the "Choices" section are found invitations to self-reflect and act. --"One masterpiece, maybe a few... What will I do?" (page 18). (3) "Love--Gently Warming" --"...True love is a log warming gently all through the night" (page 42). (4) "Youth and Family" --"You're unique and special, with an important purpose and infinite potential. Get up, keep going and eventually you'll see" (page 65). (5) The last section, "Life," deals with various aspects of our quirky existence, always looking for ways to maximize what we get out of it. --"In my run-down apartment, trashy trailer, graffiti camouflaged concrete jungle, straight-jacketed suburb, or even in a jail cell, I can survive, and thrive, and I will!" (page 95). When reading "MetAmusing," one should not expect easy answers to life's pressing questions (which probably don't exist anyway), but invitations to explore, along with solid suggestions from the author's perspective. Let's MetAmuse.
About the Author: Kib Keola Hunt was born in the paradise of Hawaii, but his family soon moved to a desert farm in Washington State. Between chores he turned to sports and reading to pass the time away. His favorite author was Louis L'Amour (westerns), his favorite genre anything but poetry--he only became interested through the back door, so to speak, after studying Spanish poetry in college. Kib never really saw in himself a talent for writing, but believes he's gradually finding "his voice," a voice kindled through countless hours reading on the farm and on trips. It's a courageous, inquisitive, optimistic voice determined to find joy in our always challenging existence.