The poetry of Northern California artist Marques Vickers explores the inspirations behind eros, aphrodesia and existence in his 300+ poem compilation recorded over thirty-five years."I spend my life ripping the skin off of words, exploring and hoping..." Succinct expression capsules Northern California artist Marques Vickers' poetic work "Unicorns and Dark Chocolate"Vickers sheds the mythological orientations behind his own formation into a cohesive exploration of inspiration and eroticism. As he the painter must lift his brush to express visually, he the poet must elevate language beyond the evident and obvious.By examining his own-mirrored reflections, Vickers navigates an elemental path amidst the chaos of existence. He attempts to pierce through our subconscious surface to reveal the wellspring behind our thoughts and actions.Art is romance, romance is art. His transparency of thought becomes his instrument for transfiguration. His language remains as concise and distinct as his tinted palette.