Blog Archives
Embolden
Embolden is a collection of poems by Sonee Singh organized according to specific themes. The first theme of objects and places includes knowledge, lore, magic, and mythology. The objects include concepts (poems such as ‘Energy’) and range from tangible to transient (‘Bubble’ and ‘Egypt’). The second theme of nature revolves around flora, fauna, and the weather (poems: ‘Solstice,’ ‘Seasons,’ ‘Noseeums’). The third theme of numbers highlights the significance of numbers in the poet’s personal life and their significance in numerology and cultures (poems: ‘Eight,’ ‘Twelve,’ ‘108’). The fourth and fifth themes are practices and beliefs, and symbols, respectively: rituals, mythical and spiritual (poems: ‘Mantra’ and ‘Cure’); emblems, signs, and ancient wisdom (poems: ‘Dot,’ ‘Sacred Geometry,’ ‘The Fates’).
Singh weaves little realizations into all of her poems—not grandiose profound ones but small everyday recognitions of a life being lived that instill an awareness of the world around her. The concept of energy in spaces, of how to balance and purify them, is seen in poems such as ‘Agni,’ ‘Smoke,’ and ‘Energy.’ Mindfulness evoked by music is seen in ‘Strings’ (‘less to prove and less to pursue’) and in ‘Dualities’ (‘it’s hard to keep track’)—also subtle comments on today’s overwhelming, consumptive lives. ‘Eight’ plays with form in both word and symbol—‘an infinity turned up,’ or ‘an eight turned horizontal,’ as does ‘108’. The practice of seeking comfort in confiding, almost confessing, to strangers is seen in ‘Sharing,’ and the sound of wholeness (aum) that gently reminds readers that each is a part of a whole in ‘Wisdom Says.’
The quotidian objects and scenes written about are done so thoughtfully and in a comforting manner. The single splashes of color on each page and the line illustrations are appealing in their simplicity. The book can be read aloud to children and adults alike, teaching readers to slow down and observe the world around them and to learn from and be inspired by a blend of nature and cultures.
Embolden is an inspirational collection of poetry that will leave readers with much to think about. This collection has something for everyone as it touches on so many different areas of life. It is the type of work you gain more from with each reading, and you will always gain new insight each time you pick it up.
Pages: 242 | ISBN : 0645450197
My Love Affair
Love is a complicated but incredibly beautiful thing. Most of us know and experience love, and some of us are fortunate enough to find a love so strong that it impacts our lives in ways we can hardly find the words to effectively describe it to others. Author and poet Natalia Lazarus once knew a love like this–a love like no other. Her life was so profoundly changed by this romance that she was moved to transform its power into verse. Her emotions, experiences, and phenomenal words can be found in My Love Affair: Thorns and Roses.
My Love Affair: Thorns and Roses, by Natalia Lazarus, is written in a unique format. Lazarus has gifted readers her story in the form of poetry presented as a drama. This stunning take on storytelling serves to lure readers into Lazarus’s world and gives them a front-row seat to all of the trials and tribulations she felt in this once-in-a-lifetime love affair.
Readers will be moved by the eloquent poetry; they will find the prose engaging. The combination of styles by Lazarus creates a special kind of appeal for readers. There is both deep pain and love in her words. Both are almost palpable. Lazarus takes readers on a journey of her relationship. From the beginning, through its ups and downs, to its tumultuous ending. The syle is unique and fresh, giving readers an engaging format to experience Lazarus’s work. The raw emotions and openness with which she writes are incredibly captivating. I felt as if I was watching the relationship unfold through her eyes. Readers will not be able to help but feel compelled to continue reading as she presents every tender aspect of her experience. The beautiful photographs of Picasso’s work that accompany Lazarus’s work only enhance her story’s mystery and richness.
My Love Affair: Thorns and Roses is a uniquely-styled romance for anyone seeking a quick but powerful read as well as those who prefer dramas. The combination of poetry and prose will enchant readers.
Pages: 204 | ISBN : 1736313495
Politics of the Minotaur: Poems
Politics of the Minotaur is a collection of short poems by award-winning poet Karla K. Morton. The poems discuss times in one’s life that make people question their fate and destiny. It might be a happy moment or a sad one, a big or a small one. But in these moments, you sometimes question your life and what the universe has in store for you. The common theme is that all these events become our identity and come to define us. This collection of poems explores these moments in various lifetimes and embraces them.
Karla is known to take her inspiration from nature. That’s not just limited to observing nature and writing about it. Rather it is seen across all her works with a keen eye for small details and beauty of life, faith and trust in the process, and the belief that everything is a part of a much bigger plan and that there’s a universal force guiding us all.
The title Politics of the Minotaur is fitting for this collection. In a sense, the Minotaur represents a monster that feeds on human flesh. However, if you look more closely, you realize that it, in fact, symbolizes vitality, strength, and power. Hidden inside a labyrinth, to be able to access this strength, one has to peel out layers and layers to truly access the power that the gods have given us. While there are clear mentions of a higher force of nature and destiny, the book isn’t based on spirituality. If you’re just someone who enjoys observing and appreciating the simple beauty of nature and life, you are definitely going to enjoy this collection.
For me, the poem that stands out the most is “The Importance of Coffee.” On the surface, it is because I do enjoy coffee, but reading the poem and reflecting on it, the meaning is much deeper. It reminds the reader to take time and appreciate the moment, look around and see what is right before you and stop thinking about the future and other obligations. Focus on the now.
Politics of the Minotaur is a beautifully put-together collection of poetry. The poems, just like the Minotaur’s labyrinth, have multiple layers to peel away and must be appreciated with patience, just like nature.
Pages: 103 | ASIN: B09NZPWZST
Perfectly Poetic
LogieBear wants to know if brown bears are perfect. His Grandmother’s answer surprises little LogieBear. Grandma Bear tells him that yes brown bears are in fact perfect, for brown bears, and that every animal is perfect for itself. Grandma Bear and LogieBear then go around the zoo and look at different animals while she shows him what makes each animal special, different, and perfect for them.
Perfectly Poetic: Zoo Animal Haikus by Katie Anderson and illustrated by Donna Greenmeyer is a whimsical picture book about different animals you can see in a zoo. Their stories are told through Haikus and highlight what makes each animal special. The accompanying watercolor paintings for each animal were beautiful and attention-grabbing. I especially like the panda painting, it was vivid and had a lot of personality. The layout of the book is clean and simple, perfect for picking one poem to read at a time for babies or children with short attention spans. Each poem can be read alone and talked about individually, or it can be read all at once for a comprehensive message. I can see a teacher using this in class assigning each student a poem to lead off on learning about an animal.
While I enjoyed all of the poems, the last one was my favorite. The message of everyone is different, and everyone is perfect is so important for children. It is stated so simply and clearly that preschoolers can even understand the concept. Individuality should be celebrated and that is what Grandmother Bear does as she shows LogieBear around the zoo.
Perfectly Poetic: Zoo Animal Haikus is a beautifully written children’s book with eye-catching illustrations and charming poetry that will draw in children with its fun facts and simple format. Kindergarten and young elementary students will love reading this kid’s book and exploring all the animals it introduces to them.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09QXXDN96
