I saw this book at the library and picked it up. So sorry that he has passed away. His voice still 'echoes' in my mind; I can remember the first time I saw this book at the library and picked it up. So sorry that he has passed away. His voice still 'echoes' in my mind; I can remember the first time I saw Darth Vader and heard that chilling voice. This book would be fantastic for a small child who is stuttering (or who is shy). Through love of literature and poetry (and the support of a caring teacher) he overcame his challenges and became the voice of so many iconic characters. R.I.P. James Earl Jones....more
"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Gar"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel to mind. Bombed out buildings that have been painted over with murals that depict symbols from the past now ready to fight for tomorrow. Heartbreaking scenes of devastation that are used as a way to inspire hope and resistance. Highest recommendation. ...more
Simple yet profoundly deep - the poems in this book force you to look at the world from a perspective of acceptance; finding elusive meaning in the acSimple yet profoundly deep - the poems in this book force you to look at the world from a perspective of acceptance; finding elusive meaning in the actions of everyday existence. I really like the way Jordan Zandi places us in the here and now - reminding us that this is the only thing we have for sure. ...more
Incisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare taleIncisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare talent. His detailed eye is able to see past the curtain of inclusivity that immigrants coming to America often have to dodge, before they are allowed to find a role in a play never written with a part for them....more
This parody is poetically humorous in the way it uses free association to show you a different perspective. The language is very much like the way youThis parody is poetically humorous in the way it uses free association to show you a different perspective. The language is very much like the way you would talk in a closed group of friends that you trusted implicitly. A good example of how varied poetry is today. Quick fun read that will make you laugh....more
Ascent is a haunting collection of poems that have underlying themes of connection; the way we seek to find a deeper meaning in all that swirls aroundAscent is a haunting collection of poems that have underlying themes of connection; the way we seek to find a deeper meaning in all that swirls around us. Christopher Manieri is able to find that single thread of existence that so often gets lost in frayed perception - frayed by our illusions of control and perminance. Deep and layered, yet very relatable....more
"California resides in my memory as the occidental aroma of exhaust and brine." Simple and short lines that penetrate layers of experience. Sharon McC"California resides in my memory as the occidental aroma of exhaust and brine." Simple and short lines that penetrate layers of experience. Sharon McCartney shares all the distilled emotions that come with love and loss; the striving to be connected and yet retain individuality. Haunting and memorable, relatable and centering....more
This is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustratThis is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustrations in this book are exceptional; I am going to look for other works by Rashin Kheiriyeh. I hope to see her work in many future projects. Introducing a child to this great poet is a gift they will thank you for as they grow older. ...more
Very nice first book of poetry for small children. Lots of topics to ask questions about - sure to get them to want to write their own poems. I think Very nice first book of poetry for small children. Lots of topics to ask questions about - sure to get them to want to write their own poems. I think it is very important to introduce poetry to small children, it is a great imagination 'accelerant' that they will be able to use throughout their life. Poems are a great bedtime read! ...more
An undercurrent of lycanthropy; what is lost in transition - what is gained - and what price is ultimately paid. There is a feeling of loss here: as iAn undercurrent of lycanthropy; what is lost in transition - what is gained - and what price is ultimately paid. There is a feeling of loss here: as if disassociation with all that we hold close is constantly being 'clawed' away. Simone Muench does a masterful job of transporting us into that primordial forest that calls to us in dreams. ...more
One word comes to mind the more I learn about James Baldwin (JB): uncompromising! JB knew who he was - and he knew that he was not going to change to One word comes to mind the more I learn about James Baldwin (JB): uncompromising! JB knew who he was - and he knew that he was not going to change to accommodate anyone! I admire the way he just left for France: he knew he had to leave America to get in touch with himself, a bold step that so few of us take. Great first book on JB! ...more
As I was reading this book of poetry I kept hearing Everyone's Gone to the Moon by Jonathan King playing over and over in my head. I was also remindedAs I was reading this book of poetry I kept hearing Everyone's Gone to the Moon by Jonathan King playing over and over in my head. I was also reminded of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I would call this association more 'impressions' than actual 'connections' to the poems. Original and very thought provoking....more
This is a truly an amazing first book about Khalil Gibran. Children will learn how he struggled when he first came to the United States and how he hadThis is a truly an amazing first book about Khalil Gibran. Children will learn how he struggled when he first came to the United States and how he had to overcome so much to become the the poet we all now know and love. This is the perfect book to read to a small child with the intention of gifting them books of his poetry when they get older. ...more
I can't think of a better way to start Black History Month 2024 then reading this poem by Amanda Gorman. I could tell you several reasons why I think I can't think of a better way to start Black History Month 2024 then reading this poem by Amanda Gorman. I could tell you several reasons why I think it is so important to (re)read this poem at this time and place; but I will just say that it is a place and time that is going to be filled with contention as we get to the end of the year. Highest recommendation. ...more
The intimacy of pillow talk elevated to the highest degree! You feel as if you are part of the conversation; remembering days long past when you were The intimacy of pillow talk elevated to the highest degree! You feel as if you are part of the conversation; remembering days long past when you were young and in love. This translation of the Amarushataka is a very readable and wonderfully invocative look at one of the most romantic books of poetry ever written. ...more
Stunningly beautiful - some of the poems here will feel so personnel that you will remember someone who you were close to years ago; someone who has dStunningly beautiful - some of the poems here will feel so personnel that you will remember someone who you were close to years ago; someone who has drifted away - but you still think of them even now. Hafez is a pure and clear mirror to the soul of the divine; and in this reflection we can all see that divinity reflected in us. ...more
I have friends that tell me Rumi is even more stunning in Persian; that his poems have formed a bridge between people that is unique in Persian culturI have friends that tell me Rumi is even more stunning in Persian; that his poems have formed a bridge between people that is unique in Persian culture. I really can not speak to this (as I do not speak Persian) but I believe my friends when they tell me this. For the rest of us we can still be grateful that his works have been translated - he is still stunning in English. ...more
The images that parade past us everyday; the way they haunt our existence long after we have passed them by; how these images connect us on a deeper lThe images that parade past us everyday; the way they haunt our existence long after we have passed them by; how these images connect us on a deeper level. The poetry of Dariusz Sośnicki is deceitfully 'conversational' in nature: but as we look at what he is saying we are forced to look at these images again - trying to decipher what it means to exist in the now and here. ...more
Profound and immersive; if I were going on a camping trip I would take this book with me. Robert Morgan has the ability to strip everything down to a Profound and immersive; if I were going on a camping trip I would take this book with me. Robert Morgan has the ability to strip everything down to a simple (yet profound) level of conceptualization that adds to a deeper understanding of existence. Will look for more books of poetry by Robert Morgan when I next go to the bookstore....more
The melancholy echo of childhood is captured in this book of poems; experiences long forgotten will play hide and seek with you as the faces of long lThe melancholy echo of childhood is captured in this book of poems; experiences long forgotten will play hide and seek with you as the faces of long lost friends loop you back to those days when your only care was how late you could stay out riding your bike with your friends. Evocative and haunting, one of the best books of poetry I have read this year....more
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