Blog Archives
A Daily Purpose
Harmony River is a heartfelt collection of poetry that immerses the reader in the rhythm of nature, memory, and human emotion. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I write each day. Every day. If an inspiration comes, I will be at the keyboard to receive it. It does not often stop by to visit, so I have to go looking for it wherever it’s hiding. Making poems supports a daily purpose and an inner life worth living.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
Revising until the words find their proper order., their proper euphony, and their most evocative value.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Pleasure Boat Studio took what I do privately and placed it the public square. Getting a readership makes a difference. And I have learned a joy comes from sharing my work in book form.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Harmony River?
I hope a reader will sigh, smile, and feel a small part of the emotional punch I endeavor to impart in these poems.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Harmony River is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant work… I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys being swept up in the quiet, powerful currents of life’s joys and sorrows. -Priscilla Evans, Literary Titan
Woods An Autumn Weave Gold
Woods, An Autumn Weave is a rich and evocative collection of poetry that celebrates the essence of autumn. Through vivid imagery, nature’s transitions, and personal reflections, the poet takes us on a lyrical journey filled with golden leaves, crisp air, and seasonal nostalgia. The book is a mosaic of experiences—poems that weave together moments of peace, change, and the beauty of fleeting time.
What stands out immediately is the way the author paints autumn as more than just a season. She turns it into a living, breathing presence. In poems like My Autumn Trumpets and Autumn, A Weave Gold, the poet’s words give the reader the sensation of rustling leaves, the perfume of marigolds, and the crisp morning air. There’s something deeply personal in these verses—an intertwining of memory, tradition, and reverence for nature that makes the imagery linger.
Yet, while the book captures beauty, it also reflects on loss, change, and nostalgia. An Autumn Branch I Missed resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pang of time slipping away. There’s an aching melancholy in lines about trees losing leaves and missed celebrations. Similarly, Autumn Empty carries a weight of absence—highlighting how autumn’s beauty can also magnify loneliness. These moments of sorrow are balanced with the poet’s reverence for life’s cyclical nature, offering wisdom and comfort.
Some poems feel like whispered prayers. In Autumn Sacred, My Prayers and Autumn Incense, there’s a spiritual depth that adds another layer to the collection. The poet intertwines seasonal change with rituals, beliefs, and devotion, making autumn not just a time of transition but also of reflection and renewal. The meditative quality of these poems adds a sense of stillness, making the reader slow down and absorb the quiet wisdom in her words.
Woods, An Autumn Weave is perfect for readers who appreciate poetry that is immersive, sensory, and reflective. If you love the changing seasons, if you find comfort in nature, or if you enjoy poetry that is both nostalgic and reverent, this book will speak to you.
Pages: 168 | ASIN: B087Q22ZG4
More Sticks and Stones Falling From the Sky
Andrew Daniels’ More Sticks and Stones Falling From the Sky is a collection of poetic musings that dances between the whimsical and the profound. It’s a book that feels like an explosion of emotions, memories, and philosophical ponderings, all woven into lyrical storytelling. From the golden hues of “Autumn” to the battle cries of “The Knight,” Daniels invites us into a world where nature, mythology, and human struggles intertwine in ways that are both surreal and deeply personal. Each piece stands alone, yet together, they form a landscape of thought that explores everything from self-reflection to societal commentary.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to create vivid imagery. In “The Sapphire Salmon,” Daniels takes a simple idea, chasing dreams and transforms it into an allegory dripping with color and meaning. The boy who releases the sapphire instead of keeping it speaks to a deeper truth: sometimes, the journey matters more than possession. The way Daniels crafts these stories makes you pause, reread, and let the words settle. His poetry doesn’t just tell; it paints, it sings, it moves.
At times, the metaphors stretch so far that they teeter on the edge of coherence. “Franken Claus” is a wild fusion of Christmas and Halloween, a concept that’s undeniably unique but feels like a fever dream in poetic form. The same goes for “Golden Snake Eyes,” where fate and gambling collide in a way that’s intriguing but slightly convoluted. Still, even in its most bewildering moments, the energy of the writing keeps you engaged.
What truly stands out is Daniels’ exploration of the human spirit. “A Glimpse into the Mind of a Poet” isn’t just about writing; it’s a rallying cry for creativity. “Lobotomy” plunges into the depths of mental turmoil with raw, unsettling honesty. “Checkmate” takes a game of chess and turns it into a metaphor for life’s struggles, triumphs, and missteps. There’s a certain unfiltered passion here, a refusal to dilute emotion, and that’s what makes the book memorable.
More Sticks and Stones Falling From the Sky is not for those seeking straightforward poetry. It’s for readers who enjoy getting lost in a labyrinth of metaphors, for dreamers who appreciate language that bends and twists like an old tree in the wind. If you love poetry that challenges, inspires, and sometimes confounds, this book will feel like a journey worth taking. Just be prepared for a few unexpected turns along the way.
Pages: 112 | ISBN : 9798341854475
The Aim to Endeavor: A Fusion of Reflective Poetry & Scenic Photography
Susana Henschel’s The Aim to Endeavor is a blend of reflective poetry and breathtaking photography that takes readers on a journey of self-exploration. The book wrestles with raw emotions, moving from introspection to a hopeful embrace of life’s uncertainties. Henschel doesn’t shy away from discomfort; instead, she pushes into it, uncovering beauty and meaning through poetic musings that feel deeply personal yet universally resonant. Accompanied by stunning images of landscapes and architecture, the book invites contemplation, offering moments of quiet clarity amid life’s chaos.
Henschel’s writing is a mixture of vulnerability and resilience. Poems like “The Origin of a Poet” question the source of creativity, suggesting that pain and joy are both necessary fuel for artistic expression. Her lines aren’t flowery or overly complex; they cut straight to the heart, leaving an emotional impact that lingers. She speaks to the human condition in a way that feels like an honest conversation rather than a lecture, which makes the book both intimate and accessible.
One of the book’s standout aspects is its ability to shift between light and dark, much like the ebb and flow of life itself. In “Chasing Affirmations,” she grapples with the need for external validation, questioning why we seek approval from others when self-worth should come from within. It’s a relatable sentiment, one that many will nod along to in recognition. But Henschel doesn’t just dwell in uncertainty—she also uplifts. Pieces like “The Reward of the Climb” remind us that perseverance, no matter how exhausting, is always worth it. Her words don’t sugarcoat reality, but they do offer a guiding hand through it.
What makes The Aim to Endeavor even more special is the photography interwoven with the poetry. The images, credited to Marvin Henschel, enhance the mood of each poem. The visuals give weight to the words, grounding abstract emotions in tangible places.
This book is perfect for those who find comfort in poetry that is both reflective and empowering. If you’ve ever felt lost, uncertain, or in need of a gentle nudge toward self-discovery, Henschel’s work offers just that.
Pages: 106 | ASIN: B0BS3KVDK1
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Poetry
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes poets who demonstrate exceptional artistry and proficiency and push the boundaries of language and expression. The recipients are poets who excel in their technical skills and evoke deep emotional responses, challenge thoughts, and illuminate new perspectives through their work. The award honors those who contribute to the literary landscape with their unique voices and powerful words.
Award Recipients
Finding Light in Philadelphia: An Anthology of Philosophical Poetry: Volume 2 by Luc Oke
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The False God’s Lullaby
Aaron Gedaliah’s The False God’s Lullaby is a collection of poetry and prose that explores the beauty and tragedy of the human experience. It is divided into thematic sections that span interior reflections, love and loss, and the lightness and darkness of existence. Gedaliah writes with evocative imagery, from intimate moments of solitude to sweeping observations of the natural world. The book’s structure allows the reader to travel through time, memory, and emotion, often finding themselves face-to-face with universal truths about longing, connection, and mortality.
Gedaliah’s writing is stunningly vivid and deeply poignant, yet it’s also unafraid to linger in moments of vulnerability. In “Memory,” the way he captures fleeting, significant moments like watching “a minnow move about its day” is beautiful. These moments are small but resonate with the enormity of life’s mysteries. His ability to weave the profound into the everyday creates a sense of intimacy with the reader. However, at times, the dense imagery risks overwhelming the core emotion, requiring the reader to pause and find meaning.
The section “Loss and Departing” left me breathless. Poems like “Big Sur” and “Numbness” tackle grief with an unflinching gaze. The longing to be remembered through nature in “Big Sur” is a sentiment that lingers long afterwards: “Come visit me instead / in a place mere humans / were not meant to be.” This line alone stirred my own reflections on how we leave traces of ourselves behind. At times, these reflections take on a universal quality that gently softens the edges of the poet’s personal pain, allowing readers to connect broadly, though perhaps at the cost of some intimate specificity.
One of the book’s most captivating themes is the duality of connection and estrangement, explored in poems like “Otherness” and the prose section “Intimacy.” In “Otherness,” the connection between the poet and his dog evokes an unspoken depth, as much about human loneliness as it is about love. Meanwhile, the prose on intimacy explores how our need for sanctuary and trust can paradoxically deepen despair. These pieces struck me as relatable, even when their philosophical leanings sometimes leaned too abstract for my tastes.
The False God’s Lullaby is a heartfelt and deeply reflective work. Gedaliah’s writing will resonate most with readers who have a love for poetic language and philosophical musings. It is a book for those who savor the richness of imagery, those who don’t mind sitting in the quiet discomfort of life’s unanswered questions. If you are drawn to works that traverse the emotional landscapes of longing, loss, and self-discovery, this book will hold you in its embrace, much like the fleeting but profound moments it so beautifully captures.
Pages: 89 | ASIN : B0CLL5N4BM
J’s Words
J’s Words is a soulful and reflective anthology of poetry that dives deep into the human experience. Jah-Femi Telewa captures the essence of love, faith, and life’s intricate nuances through 50 thoughtfully crafted poems. The collection spans themes of spirituality, time, and the complexities of emotions, offering a heartfelt journey through the poet’s perspectives. From the first poem, “Random Thoughts,” to the poignant closing notes, it’s clear that Telewa writes not just with a pen, but with his soul.
The writing feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Poems like “Valentineless” stood out for their raw honesty and wit, challenging the commercialized notions of love. The poet’s choice to reject the idea of setting love to a single day resonated with me. This rebellion against conformity is a recurring theme, making the book feel refreshingly candid. Another highlight for me was the spiritual undertone running through poems like “My Lord GOD” and “Mighty One.” The reverence for a higher power adds a layer of depth and vulnerability to the collection. Telewa captures faith with an authenticity that feels neither preachy nor detached but instead intimate and raw. At times, the collection felt heavy, with poems like “Dark Times” and “Resurrection” plunging into the darker aspects of life. These poems were stark reminders of the struggles we face and the resilience required to overcome them.
J’s Words is a remarkable collection that speaks to the seeker, the lover, and the dreamer in all of us. Telewa’s use of imagery and rhythm is compelling, though some poems can feel dense or repetitive in their reflections. This book would be an excellent read for anyone who enjoys poetry that tackles life’s complexities head-on while still leaving room for moments of beauty and grace. Whether you’re drawn to love poems, spiritual musings, or reflections on life’s meaning, this collection will likely strike a chord.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0D4HRW5CZ
The Mole Vol XIX: New York Poems and a Subway Shooting
Ronald Raye’s The Mole Vol XIX is a poignant blend of poetry and reflection, diving into the chaotic, electric spirit of New York City while weaving in the dark realities of urban life. The book traverses the subway cars, bookstores, and streets of Manhattan, presenting the city as a living, breathing organism, teeming with aspirations, heartbreaks, and history. At its core, it captures the juxtaposition of dreams and despair, most notably through a harrowing retelling of the infamous 1984 subway shooting incident.
What struck me first was Raye’s vivid imagery. In poems like “Sketches of New York,” the city unfolds as both a muse and a menace. His portrayal of immigrant struggles and the pursuit of elusive dreams felt raw and personal. Raye’s strength lies in his ability to craft images that evoke emotions, whether it’s the chaos of subway commutes or the haunting stillness of Central Park.
Some poems flow like a rhythmic celebration of life’s grit. The recurring motif of being “a lost twenty-something” wandering Manhattan was relatable. That said, poems like “Under a New York Sky” reignite the emotional potency of his narrative, offering a striking balance of hope and melancholy.
The section on the subway shooting is where Raye shifts from introspection to reportage. His recounting of the event, combined with poetic interludes, makes for a chilling read. The description of Thornton’s actions and the subsequent fallout is gripping yet unsettling. Raye’s treatment of the subject raises moral questions, leaving readers to grapple with their own judgments.
The Mole Vol XIX is a heartfelt tribute to the struggles and stories of New York’s inhabitants. Its blend of poetry and prose captures the city’s heartbeat. This book is a compelling read for those who crave the grit of urban life, the nuance of moral dilemmas, and a narrative that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. If you’re a fan of poetry that challenges as much as it inspires, Raye’s work deserves a spot on your shelf.
LITERARY TITAN 