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Red, White & Verse
Our Myths, Legends & Stories
Greg McNeilly
2024 Finalist
279 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a work of collected poetry by author Greg McNeilly in the identity and culture genres. This collection celebrates America's rich legacy through evocative verse, highlighting significant figures, landmarks, and events in American history. From early encounters with Pocahontas to the activism of Frederick Douglass and monumental occurrences like Pearl Harbor and September 11, McNeilly's work spans the breadth of the nation's story. The poems also touch on America's natural wonders, cultural milestones, and iconic moments, aiming to rejuvenate readers' connections to their history and each other. Illustrated with hand-drawn ink art and paired with historical facts, the collection serves as both a tribute and a call to honor the American spirit.
Author Greg McNeilly has created a stirring and deeply patriotic work that brings American history to life through the power of poetry. McNeilly's ability to capture the essence of American heroism and history through lyrical verse is remarkable, offering readers a fresh and profound perspective on familiar stories. The author's use of vivid imagery and heartfelt language breathes new life into well-known events and figures, making them feel both intimate and grand. McNeilly's poetic style is accessible yet evocative, striking a balance between emotional resonance and historical accuracy. The inclusion of hand-drawn ink art and historical facts alongside the poems adds depth and context to the verses, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the nation's myths and legends. Some particular favorites of mine included the memorable rhyming couplets of 'Spaces We Hold Dear' and the unique homage to Thomas Edison in 'By Our Own Hands'. Overall, Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a powerful and beautifully crafted work that not only celebrates America's past but also encourages readers to reflect on their place in the ongoing narrative of the nation.
Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a work of collected poetry by author Greg McNeilly in the identity and culture genres. This collection celebrates America's rich legacy through evocative verse, highlighting significant figures, landmarks, and events in American history. From early encounters with Pocahontas to the activism of Frederick Douglass and monumental occurrences like Pearl Harbor and September 11, McNeilly's work spans the breadth of the nation's story. The poems also touch on America's natural wonders, cultural milestones, and iconic moments, aiming to rejuvenate readers' connections to their history and each other. Illustrated with hand-drawn ink art and paired with historical facts, the collection serves as both a tribute and a call to honor the American spirit.
Author Greg McNeilly has created a stirring and deeply patriotic work that brings American history to life through the power of poetry. McNeilly's ability to capture the essence of American heroism and history through lyrical verse is remarkable, offering readers a fresh and profound perspective on familiar stories. The author's use of vivid imagery and heartfelt language breathes new life into well-known events and figures, making them feel both intimate and grand. McNeilly's poetic style is accessible yet evocative, striking a balance between emotional resonance and historical accuracy. The inclusion of hand-drawn ink art and historical facts alongside the poems adds depth and context to the verses, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the nation's myths and legends. Some particular favorites of mine included the memorable rhyming couplets of 'Spaces We Hold Dear' and the unique homage to Thomas Edison in 'By Our Own Hands'. Overall, Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a powerful and beautifully crafted work that not only celebrates America's past but also encourages readers to reflect on their place in the ongoing narrative of the nation.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/porcelain-bird&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ybIeZoX5L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fra...){kind=link}
Porcelain Bird
Matt Misikov
2024 Honorable Mention
99 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fragile nature of existence and how it makes everything we experience even more precious. These poems cover a wide range of emotions and feelings about a person's life, which include fleeting moments of joy, trying to visualize oneself through a loved one's eyes, regrets about past mistakes, hiding pain and trauma, time spent in the city of neon lights, wishing for a different childhood, cherishing the US state of California, and more.
This is the type of confessional poetry that makes you introspect and look back on your own life. Surreal and melancholic, Porcelain Bird is a gem of a collection that leaves you with a sense of catharsis as only great poetry can. Matt Misikov draws upon his own life experiences to pen an inspired collection that takes you through an emotional odyssey unlike any other. Individually, each poem feels distinct, yet every single one has a powerful impact on the reader's psyche. Some of these poems feel almost abstract and, as such, are open to the reader's interpretation of the author's work. As a whole, the larger narrative focuses on existential themes, bringing to light the different facets of the human experience through appealing verses. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and heartily recommend it to poetry readers.
Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fragile nature of existence and how it makes everything we experience even more precious. These poems cover a wide range of emotions and feelings about a person's life, which include fleeting moments of joy, trying to visualize oneself through a loved one's eyes, regrets about past mistakes, hiding pain and trauma, time spent in the city of neon lights, wishing for a different childhood, cherishing the US state of California, and more.
This is the type of confessional poetry that makes you introspect and look back on your own life. Surreal and melancholic, Porcelain Bird is a gem of a collection that leaves you with a sense of catharsis as only great poetry can. Matt Misikov draws upon his own life experiences to pen an inspired collection that takes you through an emotional odyssey unlike any other. Individually, each poem feels distinct, yet every single one has a powerful impact on the reader's psyche. Some of these poems feel almost abstract and, as such, are open to the reader's interpretation of the author's work. As a whole, the larger narrative focuses on existential themes, bringing to light the different facets of the human experience through appealing verses. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and heartily recommend it to poetry readers.
Recommend this book:
Gratitude
Two Hundred Short Poems
A.H. Morris
2024 Bronze Medal
212 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of short poems with A.H. Morris' Gratitude. Presented as quatrains, cinquains, or sestets, these poems explore various facets of life and human behavior. Morris provides some valuable insight into the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. While some of these poems are a nostalgic reminder of young love, others delve into the choices that define right and wrong. You will find a vast array of topics touched upon within the confines of these verses, such as feeling regret through the accumulation of bad choices, finding acceptance, reminiscing about the first spark of one's love, defying the laws of physics to draw order out of chaos, searching for perfection in this imperfect world, unrequited love, and many more.
Gratitude is a poetry collection that also functions as an excellent coffee table book or something to relax with and contemplate in peace. A.H. Morris offers readers two hundred short poems whose verses cover some universal aspects of life that every human being can relate to. There is a unique flair to Morris' poetry that instantly grabs hold of your attention and helps you become an observer of life with musings in your head. The abstract nature of some of these poems leaves much room for interpretation, and I think every reader will find their own meaning in Morris' verses. Some of them even feel like affirmations. In conclusion, Gratitude is an inspirational collection of short poems that even readers unfamiliar with poetry can enjoy—highly recommended.
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of short poems with A.H. Morris' Gratitude. Presented as quatrains, cinquains, or sestets, these poems explore various facets of life and human behavior. Morris provides some valuable insight into the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. While some of these poems are a nostalgic reminder of young love, others delve into the choices that define right and wrong. You will find a vast array of topics touched upon within the confines of these verses, such as feeling regret through the accumulation of bad choices, finding acceptance, reminiscing about the first spark of one's love, defying the laws of physics to draw order out of chaos, searching for perfection in this imperfect world, unrequited love, and many more.
Gratitude is a poetry collection that also functions as an excellent coffee table book or something to relax with and contemplate in peace. A.H. Morris offers readers two hundred short poems whose verses cover some universal aspects of life that every human being can relate to. There is a unique flair to Morris' poetry that instantly grabs hold of your attention and helps you become an observer of life with musings in your head. The abstract nature of some of these poems leaves much room for interpretation, and I think every reader will find their own meaning in Morris' verses. Some of them even feel like affirmations. In conclusion, Gratitude is an inspirational collection of short poems that even readers unfamiliar with poetry can enjoy—highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Poetry Night
The Director
2024 Silver Medal
181 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Poetry Night by The Director is a compilation of the poet's original work that explores existence through various poetic styles. The collection has multiple mystical and existential themes, encouraging contemplation on the transience of life, the cosmic dance, and the enduring echoes of time. These include pieces like The Dance of Existential Whisper, which blends symbolism and existentialism to investigate the nature of truth; The Loom of Fate mixes epic and allegorical poetry, raising philosophical questions about free will and destiny and suggesting that each individual thread contributes to the grand design of existence; and the social reflective style of The Balance of Fortune and its contrast between opulence and scarcity provokes thought on value, perception, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Poetry Night by The Director is a really beautiful collection. Each piece is wonderfully well thought out, with the feel of micro-storytelling but so much deeper than work of this length would usually be. For me personally, The Labyrinth of Being stands out for its portrayal of life's intricate pathways, navigating the complexities of existence, and using the metaphor of a labyrinth to invite readers into a journey filled with choices, lessons, and reflections around every bend. This poem in particular demonstrates The Director's skill at articulating the fundamental essence of the human story. For those looking for deep understanding, the entire collection offers an engrossing mosaic of artful verse about life, time, and the mysteries of the universe. This is a compilation I see myself returning to often. Very highly recommended.
Poetry Night by The Director is a compilation of the poet's original work that explores existence through various poetic styles. The collection has multiple mystical and existential themes, encouraging contemplation on the transience of life, the cosmic dance, and the enduring echoes of time. These include pieces like The Dance of Existential Whisper, which blends symbolism and existentialism to investigate the nature of truth; The Loom of Fate mixes epic and allegorical poetry, raising philosophical questions about free will and destiny and suggesting that each individual thread contributes to the grand design of existence; and the social reflective style of The Balance of Fortune and its contrast between opulence and scarcity provokes thought on value, perception, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Poetry Night by The Director is a really beautiful collection. Each piece is wonderfully well thought out, with the feel of micro-storytelling but so much deeper than work of this length would usually be. For me personally, The Labyrinth of Being stands out for its portrayal of life's intricate pathways, navigating the complexities of existence, and using the metaphor of a labyrinth to invite readers into a journey filled with choices, lessons, and reflections around every bend. This poem in particular demonstrates The Director's skill at articulating the fundamental essence of the human story. For those looking for deep understanding, the entire collection offers an engrossing mosaic of artful verse about life, time, and the mysteries of the universe. This is a compilation I see myself returning to often. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
I Look to the Gentle Rain
A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart (The Mourning Sky Series)
Liz Newman
2024 Gold Medal
143 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Robin Goodfellow for Readers' Favorite
I Look to the Gentle Rain: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart, by Liz Newman, is a poetry collection about Newman coping with her father’s death and finding comfort in sorrow. The collection is separated into four sections. Section One: The Tender Ache describes the raw emotions coursing through her when her father died. Section Two: The Ebbs and Flows illustrates her struggle to deal with her loss, with some days more manageable than others. Section Three: The Gentle Rain encourages the poet to mourn, and to hold space for beloved memories, even if she can no longer recreate them. Section Four: The Hope That Grows reveals that even though Newman continues to feel her father’s presence, she also treasures him and connects with others who loved him just as much as she did. Alongside this collection are exercises that may support those who are experiencing grief.
Liz Newman’s grief is palpable. The lyrics she uses accurately show the torrent of emotions that wash over someone when they lose a loved one. Despite that, she also knows to keep space for herself. I love the line: “I’m hurting, but I’m here.” This line alone means a lot to me, mainly because when a disaster occurs, emotional or natural or otherwise, almost everyone will leave. It’s the ones who stay that you know are true friends. This, of course, includes being there for yourself and letting yourself feel, even when it hurts to do so. Some people can’t do that, and that escape turns into an addiction (alcohol, work, eating, sex, etc.). But for those, like the poet, who can hold space for themselves in their hearts, they strengthen themselves and build resiliency. I feel there were times Newman doubted her ability to manage her grief, but she did in I Look to the Gentle Rain.
I Look to the Gentle Rain: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart, by Liz Newman, is a poetry collection about Newman coping with her father’s death and finding comfort in sorrow. The collection is separated into four sections. Section One: The Tender Ache describes the raw emotions coursing through her when her father died. Section Two: The Ebbs and Flows illustrates her struggle to deal with her loss, with some days more manageable than others. Section Three: The Gentle Rain encourages the poet to mourn, and to hold space for beloved memories, even if she can no longer recreate them. Section Four: The Hope That Grows reveals that even though Newman continues to feel her father’s presence, she also treasures him and connects with others who loved him just as much as she did. Alongside this collection are exercises that may support those who are experiencing grief.
Liz Newman’s grief is palpable. The lyrics she uses accurately show the torrent of emotions that wash over someone when they lose a loved one. Despite that, she also knows to keep space for herself. I love the line: “I’m hurting, but I’m here.” This line alone means a lot to me, mainly because when a disaster occurs, emotional or natural or otherwise, almost everyone will leave. It’s the ones who stay that you know are true friends. This, of course, includes being there for yourself and letting yourself feel, even when it hurts to do so. Some people can’t do that, and that escape turns into an addiction (alcohol, work, eating, sex, etc.). But for those, like the poet, who can hold space for themselves in their hearts, they strengthen themselves and build resiliency. I feel there were times Newman doubted her ability to manage her grief, but she did in I Look to the Gentle Rain.
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.
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