He said he had initially found some of Thomas' poetry "too lyrical and parochial" but he has since grown to love his imagery and use of words.

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Kwame Dawes, author of "Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius" and the coming poetry collection "Duppy Conquerer, " says Mr. Broadus is part of a long line of non-Jamaican musicians who have dipped into the reggae genre.

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But what did stand out was the painstakingly composed prose, beautifully structured and lyrical, pushing towards the boundaries of poetry.

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