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Yes, it’s a bit of a wild ride.
HOMEMADE SHRINE is a collection of poems centered on themes of love and loss, the emotions evoked by memories, and the beauty found in everyday life. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
HOMEMADE SHRINE has honestly been in production for over six years. It’s a collection of raw poems and journal pages that I’ve written in response to some impactful places, people and events throughout my life. I had toyed with what a full collection of these random writings would have looked like many times and I even still have a note on my phone laying out a far more epic version of the collection with over fifty poems sorted into twenty different chapters!
I sort of wanted it to document my early twenties and I wanted it to be an accurate as possible snapshot of each of these seminal feelings and moments in my life on a page where they could live forever and where they could connect with strangers in a way that no one was alone in life’s strange and sometimes confronting experiences.
It’s also an ode – or shrine – to one prominent soul-shattering, high-art-inspiring, car-wreck relationship, as is very clear from the dedication page onwards…
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
This is like forcing me to pick my favorite child in front of the others, incredibly difficult. But, strange as it is, I’d have to say Beer-Boleyn is my favorite. I don’t find it to be the most creative writing in the collection but it’s one of those poems that just radiates a certain time, place, feeling and a dream I had. It’s also funny. It’s making light of the downright ridiculous yet troubled and entirely complicated relationship it’s describing. It references cult weddings, home-wrecking, the execution of Anne Boleyn and the person you love drinking beer they originally detested possibly due to the unseen forces of one of your irrelevant dreams you’d have to pay them to listen to… Yes, it’s a bit of a wild ride.
I find that last point particularly fascinating however, how dreams so often intertwine with a reality that you haven’t experienced fully yet and when dreams do come true in front of you it makes you feel special and like everything you’re currently doing – no matter how morally questionable or unhealthy – is a cosmic step in the right direction. These are just the places this poem takes me to…
Do you think there is a particular mindset or environment that a reader should be in to fully appreciate your work?
The reader should be ready to dive into this collection with some herbal tea (or some hard liquor), a pen and a mind ready for some serious introspection. So… it may not be the most “casual” read for many. The words are written so as to hook themselves and dig deep into heavy subjects and feelings. It also offers the reader the opportunity to participate with interactive prompts spread throughout.
I do think there’s something for everyone in the collection, however. There’s eco-poetics, there’s addiction, there’s occult references, there’s sex, there’s pressed flowers and pinned butterflies, there’s complicated relationships… It’s all a personal experience for me and for whoever reads it as they can transform and transcend it with their own mindset, experiences, feelings, etc.
Just don’t forget the pen…
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next project is still in its early stages of life but it’s frighteningly ambitious. It’ll be another collection of poetry but with some memoir passages, fictional and metaphorical short stories and even some horror elements mixed in… It contemplates escaping a darker past that feels like home into a much brighter present and future that feels so unfamiliar and strange but you ultimately know it’s a better place for you to be.
I’m hoping to have it finished and looking for its inevitable home by the end of 2025, so stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
My Lost Pages
Poetry collections are always an enigma, their depths as varied as the voices that create them. Sneha Sabu’s My Lost Pages offers an immersive journey into the poet’s psyche, where each poem unfolds like a spontaneous dialogue with her subconscious. This collection brims with fleeting moods and restless introspection, carrying the reader through meditations on identity, existence, and the enigmatic essence of being alive.
Written in free verse, Sabu’s poetry defies structure while embracing rhythm, drawing comparisons to literary greats like William Blake, Ezra Pound, and Emily Dickinson. Some pieces stand solitary, sharp and self-contained, while others spill into one another, creating a seamless stream of thought. Reading these poems feels akin to stepping into a lucid dream, where the boundaries between musings and realities blur. Sabu muses on the delicate threads connecting life’s vastness to her inner world, weaving disparate ideas into an intricate tapestry of thought.
The collection invites two modes of engagement. One can focus on the impact of individual poems, letting their emotional resonance linger and evolve. Alternatively, one might search for a greater narrative—subtle connections bridging the poems into a singular exploration of meaning. Both approaches reward the reader with insights that feel both deeply personal and universally reflective. A unique touch comes from Sabu’s candid notes accompanying each piece. These glimpses into her creative process transform the collection into an intimate conversation, fostering a sense of closeness between poet and reader. The transparency adds another layer of depth, allowing the audience to peer into the moments of inspiration behind the verses. Together, these poems form a soothing cascade, washing over the reader with their contemplative tones and evocative imagery.
The collection creates an atmosphere of serenity rarely achieved in prose, inviting reflection and stillness. Sabu’s voice emerges as both plaintive and probing—confident in some moments, tentatively exploring in others. She traverses the complexities of existence with grace and curiosity, seeking to unravel life’s intricate mysteries.
My Lost Pages is a lyrical meditation, one that lingers in the mind and invites repeated readings. It is as much an exploration of the poet’s inner world as it is a mirror for the reader’s own thoughts and feelings. Sabu proves herself a voice worth listening to—raw, reflective, and profoundly human.
Pages: 87 | ASIN : B0CX5CBV6S
Caffeinated
Annette Gagliardi’s Caffeinated is a playful and thought-provoking tribute to our beloved daily brews. The poems are inspired by caffeine culture, intertwining humor, warmth, and occasional gravity. With its energetic verses about coffee and tea, the collection explores everything from morning rituals to philosophical musings fueled by our favorite stimulants. Each page offers a unique poetic reflection, whether it’s about the simple pleasure of a first cup in “Morning Wakeup” or an ode to the sensory delights of chocolate and its endorphin-releasing magic in “An Ode to Cacao.”
One of my favorite aspects of the collection is how it balances the everyday with the profound. “Worker Bees” dives into the monotony of daily routines, likening caffeine-seekers to “lemmings” and capturing the grind (pun intended) of modern work life. It’s relatable, but it leaves you thinking about our dependence on productivity and stimulation. Gagliardi also explores vivid sensory experiences, bringing morning beverages to life in a way that feels tangible. “Gourmand of Orange” is luscious, detailing a character devouring a tangerine, even stealing its color and scent. But then there’s “Murder for Tea,” which jars you back to harsh realities, juxtaposing the serenity of a garden party with the brutality of human violence. It’s a striking contrast, making you question how we find comfort amidst chaos. The emotional swing in these poems is sharp but effective.
Despite the lighthearted premise, the collection doesn’t shy away from thoughtful or somber themes. “Our Daily Excess” comments on society’s emotional numbness and the blaring noise of our exaggerated reactions. It makes you pause to wonder if we’ve truly lost “whole octaves of feeling.” The juxtaposition of these deep reflections with fun, caffeinated poems makes the reading experience rich and varied. By the end, “Homeward Bound” wraps up with a comforting sentiment, bringing us back to the warmth of home and routine.
Caffeinated is perfect for poetry lovers who appreciate a mix of humor and sincerity. It’s a great pick-me-up for anyone who enjoys reflecting on the small and powerful pleasures of life. Fans of accessible yet thoughtful verse will find this collection a rewarding read, especially if you love coffee, tea, or both.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 9198959824
Dear Sick Mental Virus
Dear Sick Mental Virus by O’Cyrus is an introspective and powerful collection of poetry that explores themes of mental health, trauma, and personal resilience. This book navigates the emotional storms of depression, anxiety, and societal pressures through a candid lens, wrapping them in vivid and haunting imagery and heartfelt reflections. O’Cyrus doesn’t just dwell on the pain but also offers messages of hope and determination, creating a stark yet compassionate conversation about what it means to live with and fight against mental illness.
The writing feels incredibly raw and honest. O’Cyrus lays his heart bare in poems like “Pain…” where the agony of mental distress is described as a medieval torture device slowly ripping one apart. This visceral language pulls you into his experience and doesn’t let go, giving a face to suffering that many of us would rather not see. In “Who is Suicide,” he talks directly to the specter of suicide haunting his wife, pleading with it to leave her spirit untouched. That poem hit me hard. It’s not just a poetic cry but a real, desperate plea to save someone you love from their own darkness. You can feel the weight of every word, every breath, and it’s both beautiful and heartbreaking. The author’s ability to create metaphors for mental illnesses is impressive. The metaphor transforms depression from an abstract concept into a villain with motives, giving readers a clear sense of how relentless and damaging it can be. I found this to be a strikingly effective way to depict something so hard to explain.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is how it balances devastation with hope. In a book full of darkness, these poems act as a light, reminding readers that even in the worst of times, there’s always a reason to keep going. O’Cyrus acknowledges how hard it is to overcome mental illness but emphasizes the importance of discipline and perseverance in “Discipline,” where he shares lessons from his upbringing. The messages feel genuine and come from a place of lived experience, which makes them all the more inspiring.
Dear Sick Mental Virus is a moving and unforgettable read. O’Cyrus has crafted something deeply personal yet universally relatable. It’s not a light read, and some poems will haunt you long after you’ve closed the book, especially the sections about abuse and the trauma of losing control over one’s life. But it’s also a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the importance of fighting your demons, no matter how strong they may seem.
Pages: 204 | ASIN: B0CHLC1K9Q
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 