The Life & Times of a Poet is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal collection of poetry that traces the author’s journey from his Caribbean roots in Barbados to the cultural tapestry of Canada. Through powerful verses and spoken-word-style rhythms, Marlo Browne dives headfirst into topics like identity, racism, mental health, love, heartbreak, masculinity, and cultural belonging. The poems are honest, vulnerable, and often punch you right in the gut with their truth. It’s not just poetry, it’s lived experience poured into every stanza.

I found myself genuinely moved by the sheer heart in these pages. Browne doesn’t hold back. In the opening piece, “The Life and Times of a Poet,” he sets the tone with lines like “I’m living the life and times of a poet, / Probed, pushed and persecuted / With people with pitchforks.” That feeling of being out of place and under a microscope carries through much of the collection. And when he writes in “I Saw a Black Man” about seeing someone who looks like him getting arrested, it’s heartbreaking. The emotional weight is real. I also have to mention “Be More,” a favorite of mine, for its open letter vibes to other misfit poets and its honest exploration of masculinity and mental health.

But let’s talk about “Boudoir.” That poem turns up the heat, and not in a subtle way. Browne’s erotic poetry doesn’t shy away from graphic intimacy, and while it might not be for everyone, I appreciated the fearless expression of desire and vulnerability. The contrast between something like “Boudoir” and “You,” which is a tender tribute to his mother, shows just how wide Browne’s emotional range is. That’s what really stood out to me, his ability to be both fierce and soft, political and romantic, introspective and outspoken.

The Life & Times of a Poet feels like sitting down with someone who’s been through it and is finally ready to talk, no filter, no fluff. It’s especially meaningful for anyone who’s had to leave home, find their voice, or stand firm in their truth. I’d recommend it to readers who love modern spoken word, raw memoir-style poetry, or who just want to hear from a Black poet navigating life between worlds.

Pages : 135 | ASIN : B0CGW1M1S1