Poetry books are my favorites and reviewing them is as delightful as reading the poems. Each book I picked up this month has a spirit of its own.
‘Ancient Voices: Poems about Ancient Egypt’ is an enlightening and engrossing collection. It reveals many interesting aspects of Egypt. Ancient voices of people reverberate through Pisturino’s poems, carrying the same messages of love, faith, fear and waiting, so familiar to humanity throughout the ages. The names of the Gods and Goddesses may have been different, but the expectations and the prayers of those people sound similar. “I lift up my hands to the heavens and send a loving prayer to all the Gods… for their blessings.”
Written in blank verse and simple style, Pisturino’s poetry exhorts you to “listen to the music of the stars.” as “the gods are sending you messages.”
A dive into Egyptian culture, many poems in this collection tell delightful tales older than “the burning desert,” while others celebrate the love for the deities who drive away disease and hunger, send prosperity to humble homes, and protect the people.
Stunning imagery like “Blushing with this celestial embrace,
“He scatters pink and orange jewels across the sky,” “blood-stained horizon,” and “a golden sea of sand,” adds a dash of literary touch to the poems.
‘The Blue Lotus’ gives a fascinating peek into the afterlife through the eyes of Egyptians who “will not work in the afterlife,” will be free of pain and disease,” will be calm and tranquil, cooing with the doves.”
This collection of poems takes you back in time on the wings of imagination to explore the hearts of people. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
‘Gratitude & No Fairy Tale’ is the third collection of Finn’s ‘Just Her Poetry’ series. True to her style, Finn delights you with haibun ( a combination of a haiku and an image). She captures various moods of nature in these poems. ‘Dancing Summer’ and ‘Perpetual Joy’ made me pause and think about how nature nudges us to dream and savor each moment.
Though I’ve read ‘Poetry from No Fairy Tale’ earlier, it spoke to me once again, as some of the poems have been changed. Written in free verse and blank verse, they explore various themes. ‘Fingers of the Sea’ enticed me and the stunning metaphors lend a human form to the sea. ‘Ocean’ and ‘Ocean Song’s’ imagery transported me to the seashore and I could feel the caresses of waves on my bare feet. Such is the power of Finn’s poetry. I love ‘The Waters,’ a subtle comment on how words could hurt.
Some of the poems tell a personal story, like the reflection on “we all grow old,” the worry about the lump, the eagerness to “do one more thing,” and the reassurance that eating organic is not going to make much difference! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
‘King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry’ is a heartwarming tribute to a pet whose love shines through Scott’s poems. This handsome guy looks stunning in the pictures that the poet has shared. I am not a dog lover, but I can understand how much love and understanding these furry friends hold in their hearts. Copper’s unconditional love has been beautifully expressed in memorable poetry by his mom.
No less than a celebrity, the poet tells us that Copper was a show-stopper, a hugger, and a kisser. His graceful gait, his charming smile, his slobbery kisses, and his dedication to guard his loving family made him an adorable golden boy. The warmth that radiates from his amber eyes reaches your heart if you look at his pictures.
Most of the poems celebrate Scott’s love for Copper, but there are a few that tug at my heart as they bring out the poet’s grief when she hears “a dog barking in the distance or misses the sounds like “nail click on the kitchen floor.”
‘Loss is Loss’ perfectly captures the emotions of those who grieve, a feeling which can only be understood by those who know that mourning seeps into our skin, a constant reminder that our loved one will never return.
However, ‘Rainbow Bridge’ breathes positivity and encourages acceptance, followed by Seasons that inspires to live with “sweet memories,” finding solace in the making a plea to spring to “free the ache,” and I love how Copper Boy responds – “I’m sitting by your side; I never went away.” Yes, dear Copper, you live within us, and thanks to your poet mom, who made you immortal through her poetry. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you. Happy reading!
Balroop Singh.
Here is the Amazon link for my new poetry book.
For more poetry, hang out with Hues Of Hope
Emotional Shadows 