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Reflections: Earth, Heart, Light, Dark
Reflections: Earth, Heart, Light, Dark is a mother-daughter collaboration that explores the intertwined themes of Earth, Heart, Light, and Dark through poetry. The book flows like a seasonal cycle, beginning with poems rooted in nature, moving through love and memory, then toward hope and illumination, and finally into grief, loss, and shadows. Each section feels distinct, yet they all circle back to a shared sense of searching for meaning in both beauty and pain.
Poems like Transition pulled me in with their intimacy, especially the image of a mother’s hands rebuilding a new world after a storm. It felt deeply personal but also universal, the kind of moment that made me stop and think about my own family. I’ll admit, Grandmama caught me off guard with its questions, “What thoughts did you have? Did you think them deserving?” and left me feeling both unsettled and comforted at the same time. That’s what I liked most, the poems didn’t tie everything up neatly. They lingered.
From Ash to Light carried a strong sense of resilience, and I couldn’t help but feel buoyed by its journey from despair to joy. It had this rhythm of stumbling and rising that felt human and raw. On the other hand, Dawn of Forty-Nine leaned more toward classic imagery, almost old-fashioned in its rhymes, which at first jarred me but eventually worked because it added texture to the collection. I found myself rereading those lines about waterfalls and winds, almost like I was letting the words wash over me instead of trying to decode them.
Then there’s the “Dark” section. This is where the book hit hardest for me. You Left Me was plainspoken, almost brutally so, and that stripped-down honesty made it sting. The Waves had this hypnotic pull with its repetition, “Rising above, wave after wave,” that felt like drowning in grief and memory. I could feel the authors letting themselves go to heavier places, and I appreciated that they didn’t shy away. It made the hopeful poems earlier in the book feel more earned, less naïve.
Reflections: Earth, Heart, Light, Dark is for readers who like their poetry to sit somewhere between personal diary and universal myth. It’s not heavy with academic wordplay, but it’s not fluff either. If you enjoy quiet evenings with a book that makes you pause, maybe even tear up, this one is a must-read. Personally, I closed it feeling like I had sat down with two voices who weren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and that’s something I’ll always admire in poetry.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0FFNGQ15P
Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures From 57 Countries of the World
Bridges of Words is a journey stitched together in three short lines at a time. Esperanza Pretila gathers scenes, scents, and sounds from across the globe, distilling them into haiku that act as tiny postcards of the human spirit. From the cherry blossoms of Japan to the samba rhythms of Brazil, from Norway’s fjords to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, each poem captures the mood of a place without overexplaining. It’s a chorus of cultures, all humming the same song of connection and shared humanity.
I found myself reading this slowly, not because it was hard, but because each haiku lingered. The brevity makes you pay attention. Some verses felt like quick Polaroids, others like whispered secrets from the past. The restraint in the writing works well. It never tries too hard to be profound, yet it often lands that way.
What I liked most is how the book manages to be both intimate and universal. The voice is warm, almost like a travel companion who notices the little things others might miss. A few haiku didn’t hit me as strongly, they slipped by too softly, but even those had a role in shaping the overall rhythm. The dedication and acknowledgments at the start also set a deeply personal tone, reminding you that this is not just about places, but about the people and lives behind them.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry that travels light yet carries weight. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate slow moments, quiet reflection, and the beauty of small things. If you’ve ever wanted to tour the world without leaving your chair, or if you just need a gentle reminder that we’re all connected, these bridges of words are worth crossing.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0FHVTBSQ8
Being a Voice
The Life & Times of a Poet is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal collection of poetry that traces your journey from your Caribbean roots in Barbados to the cultural tapestry of Canada. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I was inspired to write this collection of poems because after writing my first three books, people did not know who I was as an author since I was not telling my own story. So I decided to get more personal with this one.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
I chose the themes that are depicted in the book based on the experiences that I had. Therefore, if I was going through a bad situation on a given day, I would write about it and put it aside for the book.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
I think that it was a bit of both but I wanted the black people in British Columbia to feel it more since these are some of the things that they still go through daily.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
This book allowed me to be more vulnerable with my writing and to be more comfortable with expressing that vulnerability. I learned that I was not the only person feeling these things and by being a voice, that would help people with their healing processes.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The Life and Times of a Poet
The Life & Times of a Poet is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal collection of poetry that traces the author’s journey from his Caribbean roots in Barbados to the cultural tapestry of Canada. Through powerful verses and spoken-word-style rhythms, Marlo Browne dives headfirst into topics like identity, racism, mental health, love, heartbreak, masculinity, and cultural belonging. The poems are honest, vulnerable, and often punch you right in the gut with their truth. It’s not just poetry, it’s lived experience poured into every stanza.
I found myself genuinely moved by the sheer heart in these pages. Browne doesn’t hold back. In the opening piece, “The Life and Times of a Poet,” he sets the tone with lines like “I’m living the life and times of a poet, / Probed, pushed and persecuted / With people with pitchforks.” That feeling of being out of place and under a microscope carries through much of the collection. And when he writes in “I Saw a Black Man” about seeing someone who looks like him getting arrested, it’s heartbreaking. The emotional weight is real. I also have to mention “Be More,” a favorite of mine, for its open letter vibes to other misfit poets and its honest exploration of masculinity and mental health.
But let’s talk about “Boudoir.” That poem turns up the heat, and not in a subtle way. Browne’s erotic poetry doesn’t shy away from graphic intimacy, and while it might not be for everyone, I appreciated the fearless expression of desire and vulnerability. The contrast between something like “Boudoir” and “You,” which is a tender tribute to his mother, shows just how wide Browne’s emotional range is. That’s what really stood out to me, his ability to be both fierce and soft, political and romantic, introspective and outspoken.
The Life & Times of a Poet feels like sitting down with someone who’s been through it and is finally ready to talk, no filter, no fluff. It’s especially meaningful for anyone who’s had to leave home, find their voice, or stand firm in their truth. I’d recommend it to readers who love modern spoken word, raw memoir-style poetry, or who just want to hear from a Black poet navigating life between worlds.
Pages : 135 | ASIN : B0CGW1M1S1
I Have Questions
Words Left Unspoken invites readers to immerse themselves in a richly crafted poetic world that reflects diverse experiences and insights. Why was this an important collection of poetry for you to write?
Words Left Unspoken was an important collection to write because it was the first solo poetry collection I published outside of my first self-published literary anthology, Perception, which I published a year after I graduated college with all of my artistic friends at that time. I have been studying and writing for many years between: traditional verse, free verse, prose, and Japanese haiku, senryu, and tanka. I was extremely excited my wonderful publisher, Anamcara Press, was interested in this collection which contained many diverse forms of poetry. My wife, Constance McGovern, was the first person to truly believe in our artistic journey together, the stories and messages I created, and encouraged me to take my poetry and writing out of my backpack, and start submitting to publishers aside from publishing in literary magazines and journals. For every artist, there is an: understanding, patient, compassionate, empathetic, and loving wife or husband standing by the artist’s side to cry in darkness and cheer in light, together. Connie is my inspiration who helped pull me out of dark times where my poetry reflected much of my feelings and lead me to lighter and brighter moments. Words Left Unspoken is dedicated to my wife, Constance McGovern.
Altogether, Words Left Unspoken, took over fifteen years to write, curate, and publish from the past twenty plus years of writing poetry. Words Left Unspoken was created to help readers embark on a journey and reflection through the human experience. There are so many questions we internalize in fear of being criticized either by our peers or society who is controlling our peer’s thoughts. I wanted to raise questions and create poetic stories and journeys from many different perspectives, in hopes to help build an awareness for others to begin their own personal explorations searching for: empathy, compassion, silent moments, adventure, spirituality, wisdom, and love. These particular themes are crafted through the different pieces along with other important ones such as: anger and hatred, admiration and respect, anti-war and peaceful moments, daily mantras, truth and deceit, heartbreak and laughter, abuse and sex, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Every written piece in Words Left Unspoken weaves and intertwines into one single story after the back cover closes, to create a poetic collection which mirrors the reader to question themselves. Perhaps, personally in their life, they haven’t physically or emotionally experienced what each character(s) has within the particular piece; however, that shouldn’t stop one from reading about the message of the poem to gain insight and understanding to gain wisdom and change for the better because personal identity and how you treat the next living creature is important.
Most of all, I created Words Left Unspoken because I have questions, many of them – similarly, as everyone else does. Not one living creature on this planet or in society has all of the answers and that’s ok, this is the magnificent beauty to life and knowing limited allocated time to understand ourselves is vital. Even though I don’t know someone’s journey, no matter if it’s challenging or easy, whatever the circumstance – I encourage all readers to participate in an open and honest dialogue with the other person, to learn it’s ok for them to not have similar thoughts and feelings, at the end we are all imperfect and that’s ok. I only hope we’re all imperfect, as human, with an open mind and an honest heart.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
The vast array of people I have met along this journey, formed relationships with, over the past twenty years have made significant contributions to my writing and the stories I create. I believe personal relationships are so important and they come and go in seasons – some seasons never end and others, after a certain amount of time, come to a close. The importance is to recognize the lessons to learn from mistakes made and the positive wonderful moments shared during the particular season within the relationship. Some examples of significant impacts on my life which inspired stories within my writing: the beautiful awkwardness of late teens into slowly discovering your voice in early twenties and interacting at these specific moments in time of young love, heart break, friends going to war, comprehending different forms of sex in all its wonder, discovering cherished moments of forming one or two true friendships you will have for life and protecting them. Other significant impacts stemmed from: embarking on adventurous road trips to different towns I never heard of, everyday travels walking city streets and observing, relaxing with a drink and company in different night clubs, catching flights to new cities I always wanted to visit, and traveling to different countries to experience and converse to learn about other cultures and lifestyles.
While in college: the students, security guards, professors, even meal staff (I used to cater to make extra money while going to college, aside from studying and teaching swim lessons at the school pool because I was a water safety instructor/lifeguard) I interacted with during college had an impact with my writing and the person I am today. Each person I came in contact with, took the time to listen and exchange stories and ideals, showed me there are so many different and beautiful ways to live existence – there is not one mold and not one way of thought and how life should be. The writing groups with our school’s poetry club and other activities I’ve been involved with such as: mask and foil/theater, gospel choirs, and musical productions have provided me with the opportunity to expand my mindset and thought processes with an honest and open mind.
The different jobs I’ve worked from high school through college and after college: construction, catering, a medical call center service representative (a glorified secretary), driving a facility service truck, working as an analytical inorganic chemist – all have exposed me to various life experiences and discussions. I’ve learned so much through daily conversations and the many differences not only between hobbies and activities most people in each field like to do in their free time, but the different types of literature they consume and don’t, to the different mindsets and thought processes they contain. So many of the people I have interacted with I have formed life long memories and bonds which are sprinkled throughout my writing not only from: friends I have grown up with, friends who have immigrated to the United States in hopes of a better future, friends from high school, friends from college, friends from different work environments, and friends I write with internationally; all have had an impact with the poems I create.
The most important impact on my writing is the day I met my future wife casting her in Atlantic City for my first successfully completed independent film, “All Over Again.” Connie helped me learn not only how to stand on my own two feet, to stand strong and steadfast when standing up for what is right, and never stop walking forward even when the level of difficulty and struggles feel overwhelming and impossible; she has provided true love between us and nurturing admiration, patience, and never-ending support with our independent film work together and the books I publish. Connie has been by my side supporting me through the darkest days when I was alone, continue pushing forward through a failing film production business which derailed our lives together to come out, not only ok but an even stronger and smarter team. Through her love and support Connie helped me leave my self-destructive lifestyle behind to find my focus and work through all my personal and professional traumas to continue pursuing artistic endeavors and fulfill ambitions.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
I’ve noticed after creating art through: writing poetry, writing novels, songwriting, and creating independent films – as a whole, in reference to my work, the audience either likes the piece or doesn’t, there’s very few thoughts in between. I don’t create for a specific audience; I always create for myself. Usually, even if someone is experiencing my work, and perhaps doesn’t like the message, they find the journey entertaining. I look at my creative endeavors as a legacy I want to be proud of, carefully constructing and building a solid foundation of work, which I will leave behind after I’m gone.
What surprises me the most with Words Left Unspoken, in particular for reactions – so far critics, competitions, and general audiences have enjoyed the collection in its entirety. I have received a couple thoughts where the collection wasn’t the readers type of book too; however, they enjoyed the writing, language, techniques, and overall respect the time, dedication, thought, and drive it took to create Words Left Unspoken. A few readers who don’t like poetry at all have expressed they love my style of writing and how I create stories where they feel they’re experiencing all the emotions the different characters are within the poems.
Overall, the feedback from reading Words Left Unspoken have been positive, many readers have asked when my next book will be released and what type of book to expect. Also, readers have been able to identify with at least one message and different characters throughout the collection; most importantly the book has generated outside discussions and thoughts after the last page is read. This is how I know I did my job as a writer – inspiring conversations between readers, from the variety of themes, who have read Words Left Unspoken or with other people who haven’t even opened it yet. In my eyes this is the greatest accomplishment I could achieve: open dialogue with my characters, messages, and themes – this is why the past fifteen to twenty years of struggle was worth it and if I’m lucky enough to have more conversations generated from my work over the next fifteen to twenty years, I would be forever grateful to my supporters.
What is your next book, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
At the moment, I’m focused on promoting Words Left Unspoken – my publisher, Anamcara Press, has submitted this project to The National Book Award for Poetry, The Griffin Poetry Prize, The National Book Critics Circle Awards for Poetry, and The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; along with many more upcoming competitions.
Also, I’m an independent filmmaker and will be promoting my new film “Is This the Bed We Lie In?” on the film festival circuit this coming year while I complete post-production for another film, “Inside Jonathan Fox.” My wife, Constance McGovern, and I plan on creating a spoken word album with my filmmaking sound designer, Matthew Amadio, for Words Left Unspoken to submit for consideration: Best Spoken Word Album at The Grammy’s, along with submitting a new music video, “All Over Again,” my production team created from our original award winning and critically acclaimed short film, “All Over Again.”
I have been putting together another poetry collection and I have been in discussions for publication of my novel, “Even Angels Wear Leather Jackets and Ride Motorcycles.”
I would like to take a moment and give my love and appreciation to everyone who has taken a chance and purchased or read Words Left Unspoken. Your time and energy reading the pages is the greatest gift you could ever give me in return and I appreciate all your love and support through the years following this artistic journey. I’m eternally grateful for you and I hope you enjoyed or will enjoy this future read.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Finalist: Amity Literary Prize, 2023
The reader is invited to embark on a poetic odyssey through life’s complexities in Words Left Unspoken—an exploration of silence, wisdom, and universal resonance.
Would you like to take a walk through the inner city, lie down in a sunny meadow, savour time with nature and family? All these moments, and more, are captured within J.A. McGovern’s debut poetry collection.
McGovern’s poems urge us to take to the road for wild adventures, to question ideas of life and death, and to learn through another’s eyes and experiences.
More than a compilation of verse, McGovern’s work is a profound exploration of the silent struggles that resonate within us all, compelling readers to listen and truly understand the echoes of a world yearning to be heard.
J.A. McGovern’s diverse experiences create a rich tapestry of moments, urging readers to explore life’s complexities, question ideas, and listen to the profound echoes of universal struggles. As a multifaceted creator with recognition in various mediums, McGovern’s debut collection promises a unique blend of intellectual depth, artistic prowess, and a fresh perspective in the world of poetry.
Words Left Unspoken
Words Left Unspoken by J.A. McGovern is an evocative poetry collection that begins with the compelling “Blooming Love.” This opening poem eloquently suggests that love can flourish in even the most barren environments. The collection then transitions with “A Vision,” where the narrative shifts to a contemplation of truth and identity. This poem hinges on the symbolic significance of eye color, serving as a metaphor for understanding one’s true self. Following is “Where Paths Cross,” a poem that artfully depicts a serendipitous meeting. The narrative voice, belonging to a writer taking a respite, engages in conversation with a traveler. Their brief interaction, though they soon part ways—the writer to their craft and the traveler to Denver—highlights the transient yet meaningful connections we make in life.
The anthology traverses a spectrum of themes, including love, self-exploration, and the serendipity of human connections. While “Blooming Love” and “A Vision” delve into the complexities of emotion with vibrant imagery, “Where Paths Cross” offers a gentle counterpoint, celebrating the simple beauty found in fleeting encounters. Additional poems in the collection tackle themes such as unfulfilled aspirations, societal constraints, and a longing for liberation. Particularly poignant is a piece reflecting on the American experience, which laments the suppression of youthful zeal and ambition under the oppressive weight of conformity. “Followers,” my personal highlight of the collection, depicts individuals ensnared in fear and darkness, constantly striving yet struggling to break free from societal norms. McGovern’s poetry stands out for its reflective nature, mirroring our collective experiences, the beauty of human interaction, and life in its various facets. The emotive depth of the poems resonates deeply, enhanced by the author’s skillful use of vivid imagery. The narrative style of the poems engenders a desire for further exploration, making each piece feel like a succinct story.
In Words Left Unspoken, J.A. McGovern invites readers to immerse themselves in a richly crafted poetic world that reflects diverse experiences and insights. This collection is a testament to the power of poetry to captivate, challenge, and illuminate the intricacies of the human condition.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B0CXTSMYF9
Fragments of a Random Mind: A Poetry Collection
In Fragments of a Random Mind, Hermione Lee offers readers a collection of poetry that is both engaging and reflective. Lee draws inspiration from Brian Bilston, which is evident in the intriguing spatial play in her writer’s note, setting a promising tone for the anthology. This debut collection is divided into five sections and encompasses 62 poems. Lee navigates various themes, such as love, life, the natural world, personal reflections, and motivation.
Each section delves into a specific aspect: the first explores life and love through the lenses of friendship, nostalgia, and relationships, while the second focuses on nature, offering observational insights on dawn, birds, flowers, and lakes. The third part contemplates the art of writing, addressing common challenges such as procrastination and other reflective thoughts. The fourth part includes observational and reflective poems on people, urban life, and the surrounding environment. The collection concludes with motivational pieces aimed at uplifting the reader.
Lee’s approach to organizing the anthology into distinct sections provides a clear thematic structure. This method allows for a focused exploration of each theme, contributing to a unique reading experience. The poems themselves exhibit commendable creativity, with notable phrases like “umbrellas bloom” and skillful alliterations in “I see people hurting people.” The collection presents an array of themes, leaving room for the reader to forge their own emotional connections with the poems. The inclusion of experimental pieces such as “Utopia,” “Modern Poetry,” and “Impossible” showcases Lee’s versatility, employing a prose-like style that is both refreshing and enjoyable. The descriptive nature of the poems, capturing emotions, scenes, and impressions, is a key characteristic of Lee’s writing. The collection showcases a range of narratives and ideas, offering glimpses of engaging storytelling and thought-provoking concepts. Lee’s use of poetry taps into its ability to evoke emotion and curiosity, suggesting exciting possibilities for more narrative or thematic depth in subsequent projects.
Lee’s debut poetry collection, Fragments of a Random Mind, presents a promising start to her poetry career. The collection showcases her potential in the realm of poetry as she explores themes of love, loss, identity, and belonging. Her use of vivid imagery and emotive language captivates the reader’s attention and brings her poems to life. Fragments of a Random Mind is a noteworthy addition to the world of contemporary poetry and a testament to Lee’s talent as a poet.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0CW1LX5X9
A Myriad of My Life Experiences
Finding Poetry, Finding Me explores through poetry and art the world around you and the relationships you have with yourselves and others. What inspired this collection of poetry for you and why was it important to share with the world?
This collection of poetry was inspired by a drive to create. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the privilege to support approximately 35 authors on their book publishing journeys and realized through this process that I, too, had a story to share. I tossed and turned for months on end about what I wanted to work on and what I wanted my contribution to the literary space to be. Concurrently, I was spending time weekly with a writing group working on honing my craft, and in this space, I was often working on prose or poetry. Ultimately, a large amount of the poems in this collection were written during NANOWRIMO 2022 or just after. I see this collection as the product of a myriad of my life experiences to this point. I truly believe that at the core, we all have a story to share, and I really felt compelled to share mine in the hopes that it would empower someone else to share theirs.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection of poetry?
One of the most important things I have learned while learning about the power of poetry is to stop and use my five senses. A lot of my work revolves around the fact that I often struggle to stay present in the moment and stopping to realize that was actually incredibly empowering. It allowed me to be able to write about moments of my life, both positive and negative, with a lens of realism and truth. I hope to convey to readers that they are not alone, that despite horrible things that are going on in our world there is still beauty, and that sometimes just picking up a pen and writing can be the answer that our brain, body, and soul are crying out for.
The artwork and poetry appear to be harmoniously integrated with each other. I am curious to know if the artwork was specifically created to complement the poetry or if it was a natural fit. Would you be able to elaborate on the relationship between the artwork and poetry, and about their creation process?
I decided I wanted to add simple visuals to some of the poems to add another entrance point for my readers and to enhance the way we think about and respond to poetry. My publisher and I worked together over several months to find illustrators and illustrations that worked with certain poems. I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Currently, I am still writing poetry as often as I can, but I have also been working on some playwriting since the publishing of Finding Poetry, Finding Me. I hope to publish a second poetry collection, but it likely won’t be before 2025 as I spend the next year focused on marketing, supporting, and speaking about this current collection. I love writing poetry and writing in general, and I hope I have the privilege to work on another book soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | RebeccaPaigeEditor | Linktree | Amazon
until it is streaked with lines
of the world
of my heart.
In Finding Poetry, Finding Me, author Rebecca P. Bruckenstein explores the world around her and the relationships we have with ourselves and each other. She allows the musicality of poetry to infuse the way she walks in the world, stepping in and out of the past, present, and future. Through her work, she hopes readers will turn inward to discover a roadmap to finding their own personal connection to poetry. The poems in this collection range from childhood memories to the residual effects felt after the global COVID-19 pandemic, telling the story of life, friendship, pain, and self-discovery. This illustrated poetry book showcases that poetry can be found everywhere around us.
LITERARY TITAN 