When you open a book you hope that it will take you on a journey, that in some way you will be different, better, at its close. This book will make you feel and make you think – these words will speak for you. Matthew James listened for more than thirty years; he listened to what was inside him and he listened to the world all around him, and these poems are the result of his unique perspective. "A BURN IN THE PLACE OF BEAUTY" is a collection of poetry spanning over thirty years that has never before been available. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of a man – love and its loss, addiction, crime and spirituality are just a few of the subjects discussed. Matthew James waited until almost the age of fifty to put these poems in print and share them with an audience. For thirty-two years James wrote hundreds and hundreds of poems, then he narrowed it down to about fifty of his favorite – a lifetime of observations, emotions and thoughts are all captured on these pages in language that is at once accessible, and yet still masterful. " A BURN IN THE PLACE OF BEAUTY" belongs on every poetry lovers bookshelf.