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Recommend this book:
By A River, On A Hill
John Durbin Husher
2023 Finalist
441 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
By A River, On A Hill by John Durbin Husher is a memoir of the author and his twin brother. John “Jay” Husher and Lee Kenneth “Kenny” Husher wanted more from life and they were not afraid to go after it. The story opens in the 1930s when the Great Depression was raging. The birth of the twins was unexpected but Jay and Kenny’s parents did a great job of teaching them how to survive. In between all of this, the brothers grew up to be successful. Jay became a scientist in the semiconductor industry while Kenny made his mark in the construction industry. However, it wasn’t a bed of roses. They fought hard, struggled, and faced failures before they became the success they could be proud of. From traveling far to gaining the respect of their peers, Kenny and Jay were ready to do whatever it took to make their dreams come true.
I absolutely loved By A River, On A Hill and how author John Durbin Husher told it. The narrative was expressive and essentially love notes to his younger self and his brother. I could tell the author thought very highly of his brother Kenny in the way he spoke about him. Kenny’s character was brilliant. He was spunky, a little sassy yet very serious about his future. Jay, on the other hand, was a little jaded yet thirsty for a break. The description of the Great Depression and how it affected the lives of simple people felt so real at times. The environment they grew up in was bleak, to say the least, and it was surprising how positive they turned out to be. The pace was perfect, the chapters were cohesive, the narrative was fluid and the character-driven narrative had me hooked. I cannot compliment it highly enough!
By A River, On A Hill by John Durbin Husher is a memoir of the author and his twin brother. John “Jay” Husher and Lee Kenneth “Kenny” Husher wanted more from life and they were not afraid to go after it. The story opens in the 1930s when the Great Depression was raging. The birth of the twins was unexpected but Jay and Kenny’s parents did a great job of teaching them how to survive. In between all of this, the brothers grew up to be successful. Jay became a scientist in the semiconductor industry while Kenny made his mark in the construction industry. However, it wasn’t a bed of roses. They fought hard, struggled, and faced failures before they became the success they could be proud of. From traveling far to gaining the respect of their peers, Kenny and Jay were ready to do whatever it took to make their dreams come true.
I absolutely loved By A River, On A Hill and how author John Durbin Husher told it. The narrative was expressive and essentially love notes to his younger self and his brother. I could tell the author thought very highly of his brother Kenny in the way he spoke about him. Kenny’s character was brilliant. He was spunky, a little sassy yet very serious about his future. Jay, on the other hand, was a little jaded yet thirsty for a break. The description of the Great Depression and how it affected the lives of simple people felt so real at times. The environment they grew up in was bleak, to say the least, and it was surprising how positive they turned out to be. The pace was perfect, the chapters were cohesive, the narrative was fluid and the character-driven narrative had me hooked. I cannot compliment it highly enough!
Recommend this book:
Curtains
John Anderson
2023 Honorable Mention
190 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
What do you want in life? What is your true purpose on this planet? When the world seems to be on the brink of chaos, with a global pandemic wreaking havoc, the growing political divide, or the blatant use of propaganda by hateful groups on social media, you can't help but feel a bit lost. Curtains by John Anderson is a poetry collection that touches upon some of these issues and seeks to help us find our way back to a life based on love and faith in God. These poems shed light on the majesty of God and how following Him brings a ray of hope into people's lives. So embrace the challenges of your oppressor, fight back, and live a life of freedom, faith, and love.
In this life, we get what we deserve. This is one of the most poignant messages in one of the poems in Curtains. John Anderson uses his talent to create thought-provoking verses about faith and love amidst an increasingly chaotic world where everything and everyone seems to be fighting each other for one thing or the other. Anderson's hard-hitting stanzas force you to introspect and ponder your place in this world. He believes that having faith in God and His love is the only way to find peace and contentment. I agree with Anderson's primary message; although not for everyone, poetry lovers and Christians will find a lot to love about Curtains.
What do you want in life? What is your true purpose on this planet? When the world seems to be on the brink of chaos, with a global pandemic wreaking havoc, the growing political divide, or the blatant use of propaganda by hateful groups on social media, you can't help but feel a bit lost. Curtains by John Anderson is a poetry collection that touches upon some of these issues and seeks to help us find our way back to a life based on love and faith in God. These poems shed light on the majesty of God and how following Him brings a ray of hope into people's lives. So embrace the challenges of your oppressor, fight back, and live a life of freedom, faith, and love.
In this life, we get what we deserve. This is one of the most poignant messages in one of the poems in Curtains. John Anderson uses his talent to create thought-provoking verses about faith and love amidst an increasingly chaotic world where everything and everyone seems to be fighting each other for one thing or the other. Anderson's hard-hitting stanzas force you to introspect and ponder your place in this world. He believes that having faith in God and His love is the only way to find peace and contentment. I agree with Anderson's primary message; although not for everyone, poetry lovers and Christians will find a lot to love about Curtains.
Recommend this book:
May We Learn From the Earth
Nature Poems and Reflections on the Environment
Robert J. Tiess
2023 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
With the rapid destruction of Earth's ecosystem due to human impact, we must ensure that future generations learn from our mistakes and acquire the knowledge and wisdom to save the planet. Poetry collections like May We Learn From the Earth by Robert J. Tiess are one such step in the right direction. The collection opens with an ode to our planet, with the poem To Earth, Old Friend. From Carefree to Caring highlights the change in perspectives as we age and realize the damage humans have inflicted on the planet we call home. To the Susquehanna River reflects upon the eternal vitality of the Susquehanna River that commands respect from anyone who sees it. Finally, Emerging World contemplates the advent of potential life on a new blooming planet.
May We Learn From the Earth is a poetry collection for all nature lovers and poetry aficionados. Being environmentally conscious is no longer a choice but a necessity; this poetry collection clearly emphasizes that fact. Robert J. Tiess' free-flowing verses shed light on the importance of eco-preservation and remind us to be grateful and humble and respect the gifts nature and Earth have bestowed upon us. The last section contains additional content, including essays and insights on Earth, ecology, and eco-poetry. Again, Tiess uses his inspiring poetic verses to educate and illuminate us on increasingly relevant issues concerning humanity's present and future. This is the second book I've read by Tiess, and just like the first one, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
With the rapid destruction of Earth's ecosystem due to human impact, we must ensure that future generations learn from our mistakes and acquire the knowledge and wisdom to save the planet. Poetry collections like May We Learn From the Earth by Robert J. Tiess are one such step in the right direction. The collection opens with an ode to our planet, with the poem To Earth, Old Friend. From Carefree to Caring highlights the change in perspectives as we age and realize the damage humans have inflicted on the planet we call home. To the Susquehanna River reflects upon the eternal vitality of the Susquehanna River that commands respect from anyone who sees it. Finally, Emerging World contemplates the advent of potential life on a new blooming planet.
May We Learn From the Earth is a poetry collection for all nature lovers and poetry aficionados. Being environmentally conscious is no longer a choice but a necessity; this poetry collection clearly emphasizes that fact. Robert J. Tiess' free-flowing verses shed light on the importance of eco-preservation and remind us to be grateful and humble and respect the gifts nature and Earth have bestowed upon us. The last section contains additional content, including essays and insights on Earth, ecology, and eco-poetry. Again, Tiess uses his inspiring poetic verses to educate and illuminate us on increasingly relevant issues concerning humanity's present and future. This is the second book I've read by Tiess, and just like the first one, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings
Nikita Kapoor
2023 Silver Medal
105 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings by Nikita Kapoor is a collection of poetry that reads like one all-encompassing poem. A poem that is full of hopes and dreams ahead while still continuing to notice the past and present days that, at times, are full of turmoil and sadness. The poetry brings you into her world at that very moment, and you feel the total emotion of her headspace. Nikita’s poetry is straightforward and without frills; it is hard-hitting prose that will make you feel and think about your own future/present/past in a way that isn’t trite. One of my favorite poems is on page 11, Scarring Emotions over Agonizing Gashes, in which three favorite lines read as: “Because thoughts/inflict worse pain/than physical movements.” Kapoor writes so distinctly and with such an original stark style.
Nikita Kapoor’s Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings is a diamond among rhinestones. Not only is the prose inside the collection something you’re likely never to have read before, but the artwork created by artist Amita Kapur that accompanies the poems is quite breathtaking. It establishes a beautiful balance between the imagery in the poems and the brilliant colors that seem to have their own separate voice about them as well. What most impressed me about Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings was that the author is quite young, and it will be a treat to all readers to be able to follow her career as it continues to blossom from child to adult. You won’t want to miss Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings by award-winning writer Nikita Kapoor.
Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings by Nikita Kapoor is a collection of poetry that reads like one all-encompassing poem. A poem that is full of hopes and dreams ahead while still continuing to notice the past and present days that, at times, are full of turmoil and sadness. The poetry brings you into her world at that very moment, and you feel the total emotion of her headspace. Nikita’s poetry is straightforward and without frills; it is hard-hitting prose that will make you feel and think about your own future/present/past in a way that isn’t trite. One of my favorite poems is on page 11, Scarring Emotions over Agonizing Gashes, in which three favorite lines read as: “Because thoughts/inflict worse pain/than physical movements.” Kapoor writes so distinctly and with such an original stark style.
Nikita Kapoor’s Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings is a diamond among rhinestones. Not only is the prose inside the collection something you’re likely never to have read before, but the artwork created by artist Amita Kapur that accompanies the poems is quite breathtaking. It establishes a beautiful balance between the imagery in the poems and the brilliant colors that seem to have their own separate voice about them as well. What most impressed me about Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings was that the author is quite young, and it will be a treat to all readers to be able to follow her career as it continues to blossom from child to adult. You won’t want to miss Gentle Shadows Fierce Wings by award-winning writer Nikita Kapoor.
Recommend this book:
Exits
Stephen C. Pollock
2023 Gold Medal
45 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
Stephen C. Pollock’s Exits is a sensitive, intelligent, expertly crafted, stylishly presented volume that will delight anyone who truly loves the art of poetry for poetry’s sake. Each of the nineteen combinations of poetry and images in this exquisite collection examines the finite nature of life from a different, often surprising perspective, the result being a metaphoric deep breathing exercise that soothes the psyche. For those who truly appreciate the beauty and scope of poetic art, there is no pleasure quite as gratifying as reading a collection penned by a poet who truly understands its fine points. This work is guaranteed to satisfy any aficionado’s yearning for beauty and artistry in one package.
Pollock’s prosody is impeccable – every word exists in perfect harmonic resonance with its companions, across a wide range of styles which, taken together, demonstrate true creative mastery. His poems are keenly intelligent and, at times, achingly poignant. From Steve’s Balloons: “I saw then that balloons are not at all round/but are shaped like tears/that a dream is not so much/that scrap of rubber on the ground/as the breath that once filled it.” Pollock also proves himself to be prodigious with description, as shown in Leaves: “She was the venerable priestess of tea/In the autumn of her age/faithful to the rituals/of a dying art.” Any true lover of poetry will come away from this sublime volume feeling richly rewarded. Exits by Stephen C. Pollock is fresh, compelling, expertly crafted, and eminently worth reading. It is a magnificent work. I greatly enjoyed this outstanding collection.
Stephen C. Pollock’s Exits is a sensitive, intelligent, expertly crafted, stylishly presented volume that will delight anyone who truly loves the art of poetry for poetry’s sake. Each of the nineteen combinations of poetry and images in this exquisite collection examines the finite nature of life from a different, often surprising perspective, the result being a metaphoric deep breathing exercise that soothes the psyche. For those who truly appreciate the beauty and scope of poetic art, there is no pleasure quite as gratifying as reading a collection penned by a poet who truly understands its fine points. This work is guaranteed to satisfy any aficionado’s yearning for beauty and artistry in one package.
Pollock’s prosody is impeccable – every word exists in perfect harmonic resonance with its companions, across a wide range of styles which, taken together, demonstrate true creative mastery. His poems are keenly intelligent and, at times, achingly poignant. From Steve’s Balloons: “I saw then that balloons are not at all round/but are shaped like tears/that a dream is not so much/that scrap of rubber on the ground/as the breath that once filled it.” Pollock also proves himself to be prodigious with description, as shown in Leaves: “She was the venerable priestess of tea/In the autumn of her age/faithful to the rituals/of a dying art.” Any true lover of poetry will come away from this sublime volume feeling richly rewarded. Exits by Stephen C. Pollock is fresh, compelling, expertly crafted, and eminently worth reading. It is a magnificent work. I greatly enjoyed this outstanding collection.
Recommend this book:
The Opossum and the Cats
Marilyn B Wassmann
2022 Honorable Mention
34 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite
Marilyn B Wassmann’s The Opossum and the Cats is an extended poem that tells the story of how two very different animals can co-exist, and even learn to like each other. On a cold rainy night, a pregnant cat has no shelter to deliver her kittens, so a grumpy old opossum is forced to lend her his home under the shed. The new mother is too tired to move after the ordeal, and although the opossum values his solitude, he does not banish her or the five newborn black and white kittens. Initially, the kittens heed their mother’s instructions to respect the opossum’s desire for space. However, it was not easy in such close proximity, as the kittens grew quickly. One day, the kittens got into trouble, leading the opossum to prove that he reciprocated their affection when he saved them.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s use of rhyming couplets (most of which are quatrains) creates a sense of rhythm and flows throughout the poem in a way that children will thoroughly enjoy. Her choice of words is highly commendable, but also straightforward. She cleverly weaves educational facts about the opossum into the poem so that even those unfamiliar with the animal can understand the story. I particularly loved how the solitary opossum has a change of heart toward the end of the story and learns to love the kittens. The Opossum and the Cats suggests that anyone can find a family, even in the most unlikely places.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s The Opossum and the Cats is an extended poem that tells the story of how two very different animals can co-exist, and even learn to like each other. On a cold rainy night, a pregnant cat has no shelter to deliver her kittens, so a grumpy old opossum is forced to lend her his home under the shed. The new mother is too tired to move after the ordeal, and although the opossum values his solitude, he does not banish her or the five newborn black and white kittens. Initially, the kittens heed their mother’s instructions to respect the opossum’s desire for space. However, it was not easy in such close proximity, as the kittens grew quickly. One day, the kittens got into trouble, leading the opossum to prove that he reciprocated their affection when he saved them.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s use of rhyming couplets (most of which are quatrains) creates a sense of rhythm and flows throughout the poem in a way that children will thoroughly enjoy. Her choice of words is highly commendable, but also straightforward. She cleverly weaves educational facts about the opossum into the poem so that even those unfamiliar with the animal can understand the story. I particularly loved how the solitary opossum has a change of heart toward the end of the story and learns to love the kittens. The Opossum and the Cats suggests that anyone can find a family, even in the most unlikely places.
Recommend this book:
Pangaea
Prose and Poetry
Hinnah Mian
2022 Bronze Medal
128 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Pangaea by Hinnah Mian is an introspective poetry collection that recounts stories about the generational trauma left on a brown-skinned young woman growing up in contemporary America. Through her post-modern stanzas, Mian touches upon some heavy topics such as discrimination, racism, sexism, and many more. These poems are an attempt to make sense of the scars etched upon the mind and body of a woman who never felt good enough, beautiful enough, strong enough, or resilient enough to face the world in all its cruel glory. There are several poems that deal with depression and trauma-related mental health issues, expressed in the form of poetic verses that will find a way to pierce even the most sturdy of hearts.
Beautifully melancholic is perhaps the best way to describe Pangaea. The themes and subject matter of the collection elicit feelings of deep-rooted sadness only found by listening to top-tier sad songs. Hinnah Mian has a way with words, and she uses those words to pen some hard-hitting verses that are not only emotionally evocative but also increasingly relevant. People judging others based on the color of their skin or religion, or even background, is nothing new. But it's still very personal for the person at the receiving end of it. Mian's poems feel personal and intimate yet contain universal themes that almost everyone will be able to relate to. Books like these are a plea for empathy and acceptance. Recommended to anyone who enjoys poetry.
Pangaea by Hinnah Mian is an introspective poetry collection that recounts stories about the generational trauma left on a brown-skinned young woman growing up in contemporary America. Through her post-modern stanzas, Mian touches upon some heavy topics such as discrimination, racism, sexism, and many more. These poems are an attempt to make sense of the scars etched upon the mind and body of a woman who never felt good enough, beautiful enough, strong enough, or resilient enough to face the world in all its cruel glory. There are several poems that deal with depression and trauma-related mental health issues, expressed in the form of poetic verses that will find a way to pierce even the most sturdy of hearts.
Beautifully melancholic is perhaps the best way to describe Pangaea. The themes and subject matter of the collection elicit feelings of deep-rooted sadness only found by listening to top-tier sad songs. Hinnah Mian has a way with words, and she uses those words to pen some hard-hitting verses that are not only emotionally evocative but also increasingly relevant. People judging others based on the color of their skin or religion, or even background, is nothing new. But it's still very personal for the person at the receiving end of it. Mian's poems feel personal and intimate yet contain universal themes that almost everyone will be able to relate to. Books like these are a plea for empathy and acceptance. Recommended to anyone who enjoys poetry.
Recommend this book:
Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror
Written Works by E.D. Small
E.D. Small
2022 Silver Medal
154 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror by E.D. Small is a collection of thought-provoking and action-provoking poetry like no other book out there today. Filled with images that are expressly unique and drawings throughout that create a complete atmosphere of ultimate feeling, E.D. Small’s Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror smacks the reader in a “wake-up” to the world around you type of way. A wake-up call that can’t be shrugged off or ignored.
E.D. Small’s Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror has poetry that morphs from one image to another, and at times you can feel the soul beating in the poet’s heart. You can see his life’s blood inked upon the screen and pages. It’s a tapestry stitched together of suffering, sadness, with beautiful threads of love intermingled. A man’s moments. One of my favorite moments appears on pages 66-67 titled “at the end of every rainbow (uncle art & I).” Without giving anything away, it’s a true poem that just pulls at everything that a person is made of. It’s a memory of such ultimate guidance that a reader can only hope they stumble across it within their own life. And I don’t imagine that there are many who have such a day in their memory banks. E.D. Small gives you pieces of his life as well as others who were taken too soon. His words create such a world to step through. On page 87 in “like a quiet storm brewing,” he describes the voice of Barry White “like a mug of steamy whipped chai tea and late-night radio.” All the senses swim in his words.
Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror by E.D. Small is a collection of thought-provoking and action-provoking poetry like no other book out there today. Filled with images that are expressly unique and drawings throughout that create a complete atmosphere of ultimate feeling, E.D. Small’s Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror smacks the reader in a “wake-up” to the world around you type of way. A wake-up call that can’t be shrugged off or ignored.
E.D. Small’s Melting Faces in a Cracked Mirror has poetry that morphs from one image to another, and at times you can feel the soul beating in the poet’s heart. You can see his life’s blood inked upon the screen and pages. It’s a tapestry stitched together of suffering, sadness, with beautiful threads of love intermingled. A man’s moments. One of my favorite moments appears on pages 66-67 titled “at the end of every rainbow (uncle art & I).” Without giving anything away, it’s a true poem that just pulls at everything that a person is made of. It’s a memory of such ultimate guidance that a reader can only hope they stumble across it within their own life. And I don’t imagine that there are many who have such a day in their memory banks. E.D. Small gives you pieces of his life as well as others who were taken too soon. His words create such a world to step through. On page 87 in “like a quiet storm brewing,” he describes the voice of Barry White “like a mug of steamy whipped chai tea and late-night radio.” All the senses swim in his words.
Recommend this book:
Songs for Solo Voice
James R. Whitley
2022 Gold Medal
68 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Poetry is music. From the Psalms of Solomon and before up to the present day, words have expressed a rhythmic quality that transcends the emotions and sentiments of music. Poetry projects a distinctive musical quality, a musical voice, one that deepens the feelings of what it means to truly be alive. “Given the appropriate container,/ a whole lifetime can be preserved.” Add a few musical terms to the poem's title, like “overture” (a musical introduction) and “sostenuto” (a prolonged, sustained musical note or tone), or even to the content itself, like “bass clef, treble clef” (referring to musical notation and the placement of notes on the stave), and you have a truly musical experience being expressed. Now, here’s a real tongue twister: “hemidemisemiquaver” (perhaps conceivably the fastest possible note, a sixty-fourth note). But the poet, James R. Whitley, sums this up quite eloquently; “there is no proper key for longing.”
James R. Whitley’s collection of poetry, Songs for Solo Voice, is appropriately titled to indicate that his poetry is music, more specifically, songs. There are no lyrics, but one doesn’t really need lyrics for the lyricism of poetry to shine through. This poet has a powerful command of language, and I particularly love his references to music and his clever use of similes and metaphors: “Overhead, the blasé moon hangs/ like a luminous wrecking ball,/ a thirsty razor-sharp pendulum.” And more on stars “like cold unblinking eyes.” This the poet then compares metaphorically to “my emptied home,/ radiant with ruin.” Powerful, insightful words, all transformed into music, songs to be sung solo. There is a lot to appreciate in these poems and it’ll take several readings to appreciate the full breadth of the poet’s nuances.
Poetry is music. From the Psalms of Solomon and before up to the present day, words have expressed a rhythmic quality that transcends the emotions and sentiments of music. Poetry projects a distinctive musical quality, a musical voice, one that deepens the feelings of what it means to truly be alive. “Given the appropriate container,/ a whole lifetime can be preserved.” Add a few musical terms to the poem's title, like “overture” (a musical introduction) and “sostenuto” (a prolonged, sustained musical note or tone), or even to the content itself, like “bass clef, treble clef” (referring to musical notation and the placement of notes on the stave), and you have a truly musical experience being expressed. Now, here’s a real tongue twister: “hemidemisemiquaver” (perhaps conceivably the fastest possible note, a sixty-fourth note). But the poet, James R. Whitley, sums this up quite eloquently; “there is no proper key for longing.”
James R. Whitley’s collection of poetry, Songs for Solo Voice, is appropriately titled to indicate that his poetry is music, more specifically, songs. There are no lyrics, but one doesn’t really need lyrics for the lyricism of poetry to shine through. This poet has a powerful command of language, and I particularly love his references to music and his clever use of similes and metaphors: “Overhead, the blasé moon hangs/ like a luminous wrecking ball,/ a thirsty razor-sharp pendulum.” And more on stars “like cold unblinking eyes.” This the poet then compares metaphorically to “my emptied home,/ radiant with ruin.” Powerful, insightful words, all transformed into music, songs to be sung solo. There is a lot to appreciate in these poems and it’ll take several readings to appreciate the full breadth of the poet’s nuances.
Recommend this book:
Tenebrae
A Memoir of Love and Death
Dan Flanigan
2021 Finalist
74 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan is a collection of emotional poems that speaks about the death of his wife, and brings together beauty and suffering in a creative and aesthetic way. Written in free verse and as prose poems, they capture the feelings, emotions, and thoughts of the poet brilliantly and leave readers feeling poignant and mournful. The title 'Tenebrae' depicts the poet's melancholic mood and the twists and turns of his life. It is a collection that will hit readers hard and leave them teary-eyed as they read about life and death. This well-worded collection speaks about other areas of the poet's life, revealing his perception of life and humanity.
The poems are reminiscent of the poet's anguish and he captures the time between living and dying. The poem 72nd & Amsterdam evokes feelings of nostalgia as the poet speaks about his wife's illness and his fear and despair. Briar Rose is heartrending and the poet describes the last day of his wife's life through a prose poem. Every poem in the collection speaks about the poet's pain and it is indeed amazing how he chose to put his pain and anguish into words as they not only speak about life and death but also about other issues of loss, growth, change, and more. There are poems that deal with family, history, the poet's Irish background, and the confessional tone in the poems adds to the personal tone and reveals the poet's deeper emotions and intense thoughts.
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan is a collection of emotional poems that speaks about the death of his wife, and brings together beauty and suffering in a creative and aesthetic way. Written in free verse and as prose poems, they capture the feelings, emotions, and thoughts of the poet brilliantly and leave readers feeling poignant and mournful. The title 'Tenebrae' depicts the poet's melancholic mood and the twists and turns of his life. It is a collection that will hit readers hard and leave them teary-eyed as they read about life and death. This well-worded collection speaks about other areas of the poet's life, revealing his perception of life and humanity.
The poems are reminiscent of the poet's anguish and he captures the time between living and dying. The poem 72nd & Amsterdam evokes feelings of nostalgia as the poet speaks about his wife's illness and his fear and despair. Briar Rose is heartrending and the poet describes the last day of his wife's life through a prose poem. Every poem in the collection speaks about the poet's pain and it is indeed amazing how he chose to put his pain and anguish into words as they not only speak about life and death but also about other issues of loss, growth, change, and more. There are poems that deal with family, history, the poet's Irish background, and the confessional tone in the poems adds to the personal tone and reveals the poet's deeper emotions and intense thoughts.
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