Eric Payne’s “I See Through Eyes”, a collection of short stories and poetry, chronicles life as a black man inspired by religion, sexuality, racism and family. Payne appropriately categorizes his works into six divisions: Young, Havin’ Fun Wide-Eyed & Naďve; Lamentations; Fires of Revelations; Perchance Romance; To Know God; and Liberation. As such, the reader can readily recognize a gradual growth towards individual freedom in each segment.

Payne’s poem “Because” reveals deep-rooted [Black] family values, suggesting individuals should step back and be thankful for their present situation established by ancestors whom he claims have “[made] my way clear / blindly moving, not knowing the outcome / working your hands with faithful vigor / for my sake [. . .]” .

While his short story “Insanity Wears High Heels” pokes with the narrator’s probable and ultimate sexcapades, readers can still expect a wonderful and purposeful moral as a conclusion. Payne intertwines his knowledge of music with the beats and rhythms of his natural rhyme scheme, eloquently detailed passages, and allusions to Coltrane and Donna Sommer.

There is an ardent need for young, talented writers such as Payne. “I See Through Eyes” easily quenches the appetite of hungry youth who may find relativity in his truths.

Unsuccessfully edited in regard to inconsistencies in style, yet well written, Payne’s works effortlessly take a reader back to the oral tradition, where readers are soothed by delicate, precise words and traditional themes of human nature.