Shut Up Shut Down

Mark Nowak's poetry will astonish you. His docu-poetics blasts through the tired, middle-brow, bourgeois, self-absorbed poetry that you didn't even know you needed an antidote to. If you're already an old or new lefty, read this and cry and rejoice. If you're a reader of poetry and need something that will blow your mind, read this and burn your veil. If you've never liked poetry but have a conscience, believe in historical accuracy, and believe that people who earn a living by the work of their hands deserve economic and social justice, buy all of Mark Nowak's books and buy an extra one for a friend who needs a hero. Not only is Mark a tireless advocate, activist, and artist, he's a wonderful person and the hardest working poet you'll ever meet.

baraka is a writer who readily embraces change, and this book reflects a life full of changes beginning with something as fundamental as a change in name.