Obsessions is a collection of poems on various topics which touched the author from romance, African American civil rights and racism, pursuing an acting and writing career, self perception and the challenges of legacy, the journey we all maneuver which is our life, and the tragic arcs of the controversial icons Muhammad Ali and OJ Simpson. The author opens a window into his mind and the many subjects which obsess him from an age when much of the future lies ahead and doubts and second thoughts about what is past are hard to ignore. As much as anything, these poems reflect what all human beings ask at one time or another, why are they or anyone else placed on this planet? These verses beg the deeper question, is it helpful to ask or just better to accept what is and move on?

Reviews

Obsessions by Chris Haley

stirring poetry collection
A stirring poetry collection that poses questions of desire, fate, and identity. How do you know who you are? questions the poet. Through a potential lover’s gaze? Through a public persona? Through family history and heritage?

Organized in sections; Me, Christmas Suite, Afrocentric, Career, The O.J. Suite, and Brief Thoughts, the poems respond with emotional intensity in The biggest obsession, to analytical detachment in Independence Day.

The obsession underlining the book is revealed in the question posed in the most personal, and stunning of the poems, Roots: The part of me. Chris Haley is the nephew of Alex Haley, author of the blockbuster book, Roots: An American Saga, which kicked off the modern genealogy craze. What do you do to be you? Chris asks, as might anyone wrestling with a strong family narrative that has framed their life.

Well, you can write.

Connie Harold, Writer

We are many, and we are one.
Chris Haley’s Obsessions touches the deep consciousness within one’s soul. As he effortlessly and skillfully writes moments in time, one revisits many personal thoughts never given a voice yet roams freely within our hearts. We are then immediately captured in a reflection yet learning how to appreciate each particle of this journey called life. We are many, and we are one. - Parris Lane, Singer, Author.

ability to expose what lingers underneath
Chris Haley’s ability to expose what lingers underneath each and every one of our sub-consciousness is beyond comforting; an exhale even. Themes depicted in his beautiful poetry in the form of questions we silently ask ourselves and lovers are brought to surface on these pages. Time passes; we reflect, we regret, we reminisce, we revisit, and we continue to ride the wave called life.- Kashayna Johnson, Actress