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On the Ever-Lovely Morrow
On the Ever-Lovely Morrow is a poignant and deeply introspective collection of poems that delve into themes of love, freedom, and self-discovery. In poems like “At the Beginning of Yesterday” and “The Stonewall Inn,” Aborizk explores passionate encounters that lead to a sense of liberation and personal transformation. In contrast, “No Matter Where I Go” reflects on the speaker’s search for peace and freedom through travel and self-reflection. Nature, with its cycles of growth, renewal, and universal connection, weaves its way through many of these works, serving as both metaphor and inspiration.
I think grief and loss also play significant roles within this poetry collection. Some poems suggest that grief can act as a catalyst for personal change. Aborizk offers a thoughtful critique of societal norms and expectations using vivid metaphors and similes to draw comparisons between ideas and objects. While not all of the poems follow traditional rhyme schemes, there is an undeniable musicality in many of the verses, creating a rhythmic flow that enhances the reading experience.
What truly stands out in Aborizk’s poetry is her honesty. She writes with raw authenticity, sharing her emotions, dreams, struggles, and reflections without any pretense. Her poems are relatable, and I found myself connecting with many of them on a personal level. For example, her exploration of feeling alone, even in the company of others, resonated with me deeply, as did her yearning for independence and freedom from being a burden to anyone. Her reflections on societal constructs also struck a chord; there are so many important issues that often go unspoken, yet they desperately need to be addressed in the public sphere.
I particularly appreciated Aborizk’s openness about her struggles with imposter syndrome. It’s a challenge I understand well and her refusal to play the victim is inspiring. She embraces her imperfections and offers encouragement to others who may be facing similar challenges. Through her poetry, I felt a connection with her, as though we were sharing pieces of our lives. It’s a reminder that readers and writers often share common experiences, making the journey through this collection all the more impactful.
On the Ever-Lovely Morrow is a refreshing and unfiltered exploration of Aborizk’s life journey. It’s filled with stories that are both engaging and relatable. The honesty of her words and the depth of her reflections kept me fully immersed from start to finish.
Pages: 126 | ASIN: B0D327P3TD
WHISPERS OF A LOGOPHILE
Whispers of a Logophile, by Dev Dutt, is a tender and evocative collection of free-verse poems that masterfully explores the intricate connection between words and emotions. With themes ranging from love and loss to nostalgia and identity, each poem is delicately crafted to capture the fleeting moments and deep feelings that make up the human experience. The fluid, unconstrained structure of Dev Dutt’s writing enhances the emotional resonance, allowing the words to flow with a natural rhythm that feels both intimate and universal.
What stands out immediately in this collection is Dev Dutt’s clear passion for language. Each word feels meticulously chosen, yet there’s an effortless quality to the poems that invites the reader into a reflective space. The simplicity of the language belies its depth, with every phrase imbued with meaning, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the poems have been read. Themes of growth, heartbreak, and the complexities of life are explored with a gentle focus on the enduring power of love, making this collection not only a celebration of words but also a meditation on the emotions they convey. The use of free-verse gives the poems a sense of freedom and movement, untethered by traditional poetic constraints. This stylistic choice allows the emotional weight of each piece to come through more fully, enhancing the collection’s overall impact. Poems like “Nostalgic Rain” and “Memory Lane” offer a sense of warmth and comfort, ideal for reflective moments on a quiet evening. Others, like “Helplessness,” strike a more sorrowful chord, tugging at the heartstrings with their raw emotion.
The balance between lightheartedness and philosophical musings keeps the reader engaged, as the collection moves seamlessly from playful reflections to deeper contemplations. Dev Dutt’s affinity for rain is evident throughout the collection, with poems like “A Droplet” capturing the quiet beauty of nature and its connection to human life. In this particular piece, the poet evokes a sense of cosmic indifference through the life of a single raindrop. Its brief existence mirrors the transience of human lives, yet within that fleeting moment lies an unspoken beauty and purpose. This metaphor is skillfully rendered, reminding us that even in the grand, indifferent universe, there’s a quiet significance to every small life.
The illustrations that accompany the poems add another layer to the reading experience, providing visual cues that enhance the emotional tone of the collection. While some verses feel overwhelmingly poignant and beautifully crafted, a few moments fall short, lacking the depth and impact found elsewhere in the book. Nevertheless, this collection leaves a lasting impression, with certain lines remaining etched in memory—”the whole universe witnessed treasures we found in each other” being one of those standouts.
Whispers of a Logophile is a heartwarming and thought-provoking collection that will resonate deeply with lovers of free-verse poetry. It’s a celebration of words, emotion, and the nostalgia that binds us to our memories. While not every poem reaches the same emotional height, the overall collection is a lovely read—one I’ll surely return to on days when nostalgia calls.
Pages: 64 | ASIN :B0D4211DGP
Love Transcends the Physical
Just Love Her is a meditation on the essence of love and its impact on the soul’s journey, diving deeply into the metaphysical connections formed through love. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The idea for Just Love Her emerged from a deeply personal journey of exploring love in its most profound forms. I wanted to capture the essence of love that transcends the physical and delves into the spiritual. The inspiration came from my experiences, the beauty of relationships, and the spiritual connections that shape our lives. This book reflects those explorations intended to guide others on their paths of self-discovery.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I needed to convey that love is more than just an emotion; it’s a powerful, divine force that influences every aspect of our existence. I wanted to share how, when embraced fully, love can lead to spiritual growth, self-realization, and a deeper understanding of our purpose in life. Additionally, I hoped to highlight the concept of the divine feminine and how recognizing this aspect within ourselves can transform our lives.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers walk away with a renewed sense of connection—to themselves, to others, and to the divine. My goal is for them to see love not just as something to be received, but as a force to embody and express in their daily lives. I want them to feel inspired to explore their own spiritual journeys and to view love as a guiding principle that leads to deeper fulfillment and enlightenment.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on translating and adapting my earlier work, Hearts of Love, which was initially published 25 years ago. This book laid the foundation and created the principles and philosophy behind Just Love Her. I’m excited to revisit and adapt this earlier work to share it with a new audience. Fans can expect the release in the first quarter of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Each entry offers a poetic and reflective look at love that transcends time and physical boundaries, highlighting its transformative power. Mihal delves into the intuitive nature of the heart, presenting love as a divine force and a guiding goddess. He encourages readers to embrace the divine feminine within and to see love as a central guiding principle in their lives. Interwoven with philosophical insights on existence and the spiritual dimensions of love, the book provides profound reflections on spiritual connection, the practice of divine love, and the mystical experiences that shape our lives. Key themes include daily meditations on divine love, the challenges and complexities of love, and love’s power to bring about spiritual growth.
Perfect for readers interested in spiritual growth, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of love, “Just Love Her” is a testament to love’s transformative power. Mihal’s poetic prose and deep reflections make this book a valuable guide for embracing the divine love within your heart.
The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe – Book III
How well do we truly understand the world around us? In The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe: Book III, the speaker embarks on a quest to unravel the complexities of existence, including the elusive concept of immortality. Life is portrayed as a journey, with the speaker immersing himself in his surroundings, brimming with hope for what lies ahead. His heart overflows with the promise of reuniting with a beloved, whose presence has brought immense joy to his life. Through his words, he expresses a deep longing for this lover, celebrating the youthful energy, compassion, and dedication that define their relationship. Yet, the speaker also confronts the inevitable—death and the profound grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
The speaker’s reflections draw a striking contrast between the beauty and rejuvenation of morning and the enigma of nighttime. The passage of time emerges as a central theme, with the narrator continually revisiting the past and pondering its influence on the present. Memories serve dual purposes: they provide comfort and simultaneously remind us of what has been lost. Throughout this volume, vivid imagery and metaphorical language vividly bring these themes to life. The poems frequently explore longing, remembrance, and the relentless march of time. The narrator delves into the complexities of love, capturing both its moments of bliss and its inevitable challenges. A sense of nostalgia pervades the collection, evoking a longing for simpler times while acknowledging the inevitability of change and loss. In addition to these emotional explorations, the poems venture into philosophical territory, grappling with questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the roles that dreams and memories play in shaping our reality. The narrator’s reflections on the past are a constant thread, as he seeks to understand how it shapes his present. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy and a meditation on mortality, yet the poems also offer a glimmer of hope, celebrating the enduring power of human connection.
Ron Raye’s The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe: Book III is a collection of introspective and evocative poems that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal emotions that bind us all. Through its exploration of love, loss, time, and existence, this volume resonates deeply, offering a poignant reminder of the shared human experience.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0DB8S8MVN
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.
Hopelessness To Hope
The Valley of Your Life is a collection of moving poems that draws inspiration from iconic works of art. What was the inspiration behind this concept?
It was spring 2020. I was on a sabbatical leave putting together my first book of poems, Swimming, Not Drowning. When I finished sending my manuscript to different publishers and was waiting to hear from them, I was hungry for inspiration to write more poetry, so I turned to works of art. I started with painters I was familiar with and loved, like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Frida Khalo . . . , and I couldn’t stop. I kept on searching for paintings that talked to my heart, and they kept on coming to me. Visual art has a way to evoke strong feelings in me. Once the feelings take root in my body, I need to let them out in the form of poetry.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
I am drawn to strong emotions and strong emotions create strong reactions. I see life in terms of light and shadows and paradoxically, the shadows that I often find myself in and struggle so much to accept are what bring me to the light. Once I saw that clearly and started to appreciate this unavoidable and necessary duality, I had the overall idea behind my book. Life is full of shadows, aspects that are very challenging, moments when we may feel it is easier to give up than to continue pushing through. Disappointment, rejection, conflict, cruelty, war, mental health issues, physical limitations, disease, ultimately death, all these are shadows we need to confront, learn how to live with, even embrace, because they are the other side of the light. Those are what make us human and help us connect with each other. Those are what make life the beautiful experience it is.
How did you decide on the title of this poetry collection?
Originally, I wanted to entitle my book, From Your Desert to the Valley of Your Life, which is the last line of my proem, “The Dance of Life.” I wanted to convey the whole idea behind the book that we have the ability to move from our arid moments to more fertile territory, from hopelessness to hope, and when we do that, we emerge stronger. Then, I realized it was too long and decided that The Valley of Your Life also conveyed the ups and downs we encounter in life and the beauty behind it all.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Valley of Your Life?
Art transforms. Both visual art and poetry touch us in ways that awake us from within. We need more art appreciation and less false idols and false beliefs in our lives. The world would be a much better place. We are all pure light deep within, but we cannot see it until we push through and uncover all the shadows that are part of being human, living a human life. I hope this book serves as a reminder.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Just love Her
Just Love Her by Raz Mihal is a meditation on the essence of love and its impact on the soul’s journey. This work reads like a personal diary, where Mihal documents his reflections and experiences, diving deeply into the metaphysical connections formed through love. His narrative weaves through the daily affirmations of his emotions towards an enigmatic ‘Her,’ a personification of his ideal love, which ultimately serves as a catalyst for his spiritual awakenings and philosophical explorations.
Mihal’s style is lyrical and introspective, using rich, emotive language to convey his deep connection to the subject of his affection. This approach, while beautifully poetic, can occasionally veer into the esoteric. Mihal’s work is deeply personal and filled with a yearning that resonates on a universal level.
The philosophical undertones of Just Love Her are what set it apart. Mihal delves into themes of divine love versus human love, the essence of soul connections, and the eternal nature of affection and desire. His reflections, steeped in a blend of personal anecdotes and broader existential queries, make the text a compelling read for those intrigued by the intersections of love, spirituality, and personal growth. While I enjoyed this, I think the abstract discussions can sometimes seem circular.
Just Love Her is an introspective journey into the heart of what it means to feel and reflect on love’s transformative power. While its stylistic and thematic choices might not cater to everyone’s tastes, it is a recommended read for those interested in spirituality, personal reflection, and the philosophy of love. Ideal for readers of Rumi or Khalil Gibran, or anyone who appreciates a deep dive into the soul’s response to the divine allure of love.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0D9FPWPQ2
The Valley of Your Life
The Valley of Your Life, by Mari-Carmen Marin, is a collection of moving poems that draws inspiration from iconic works of art. Marin’s poetry breathes new life into visual masterpieces, offering readers a meditative journey through themes of love, pain, contemplation, and resilience. Each poem is a reflection not just on the artwork it describes, but on the universal human experiences that art evokes.
Mari-Carmen Marin’s writing is deeply emotive, often weaving a delicate balance between vivid imagery and raw emotion. In the poem Vincent’s Night Sky, inspired by Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Marin captures the swirling turbulence of the painting while simultaneously conveying a sense of longing and transcendence. Her ability to mirror the mood of the artwork while exploring her inner landscape is a testament to her skill as a poet. The reader is invited to experience these emotions as if they are standing right beside the poet, gazing at the same piece of art, lost in its depths.
Marin’s poems also explore darker, more somber themes, where she uses Doris Clare Zinkeisen’s haunting depiction of the aftermath of war to confront the reader with the atrocities of history. The visceral imagery and the poignant reflections on suffering and humanity are powerful, leaving a lasting impact. Marin does not shy away from exploring the shadows within the light, making her work deeply resonant and thought-provoking.
The poems are infused with a deep reverence for the artwork, which beautifully captures the essence of each piece. In The Veil That Burned, the tension between the characters’ desires and the constraints they face is masterfully conveyed, reflecting the emotional restraint depicted in the painting. This approach aligns perfectly with the ekphrastic tradition, and while it maintains a certain artistic distance, it invites the reader to explore the layers of meaning and emotion within the work, encouraging a thoughtful and introspective engagement with the poet’s voice.
The Valley of Your Life is a beautifully crafted collection that will appeal to lovers of both art and poetry. Mari-Carmen Marin’s work is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and provoke thought. This book is ideal for readers who appreciate a contemplative, art-inspired journey through the complexities of life and emotion. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys well-crafted, evocative poetry, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 104 | ISBN : 1962082245
LITERARY TITAN 