This week I have some wonderful poetry books for you. They are quick reads, each one may take just an hour but the thoughts and emotions of these awesome poets would touch your heart.
Minus One by Elizabeth Merry
Minus One by Elizabeth Merry is a collection of short poems and haiku that could be read in less than an hour, each poem has a new theme though all are related to life. Some are vague and you have to figure out your own interpretation. Some lovely memories have been recorded in these poems besides the loss and the pain.
‘Seascapes’ transport you to the beach in a joyous mood, ‘Landscapes’ remind you of suffocations and ‘My Girl’ would fill your heart with aching delight. Read them slowly to discern the real meaning of haiku, as some of them whisper emotions through them. My favorite poems are ‘My Girl’ and ‘Yellow Dress.’
Shadows by Anita Dawes
‘Shadows’ by Anita Dawes reflects on the shadows of life, some of which stay behind us while others inspire to drive away sadness and despair. The themes are universal and symbolize love, darkness, light, time, goodness and dreams. Most of the poems are short and focused. I like the clarity of style and thoughts.
‘Color me Red’ brilliantly describes the moods and yearnings of the poet; ‘Broken’ touches upon those moments of disillusionment and desperation when we need an affectionate touch to reassure ourselves and ‘Nine Gates’ is a little ambiguous but I guess the gates refer to our journey of life, with a message of caution at each step.
Wrong Mouse would make you smile. This collection is a nice assortment of challenges that life throws at us and how we handle them.
Poetry For you, Truths For Me by Tara Aryan
‘Poetry For You, Truths For Me’ by Tara Aryan is profoundly poignant poetry that rides on the waves of raw emotions, revealing how painful adolescent love becomes if the young heart breaks for whatever reasons. Each poem oozes with emotions that would tug at your heart, pull you into the abyss of her agony, make you a part of her “dark, stormy skies.” Her distress reaches its crescendo with ‘In This Cage’ and ‘Let It Rain,’ as the imagery is devastating in those two poems: “chains cling tightly, frozen, welded into my toughened skin.” I wonder how could love cage you, “anxiety siege you,” a “cloak of claustrophobia wrap around” you yet her words seem so plausible!
Most of the poems have been written in blank verse but there is a rhythmic touch in many, a yearning to move on yet the feeling that there could be no happiness, no life without her lost love. Tara’s style is realistic and could be related to any kind of hurt that is unbearable. Despite the lump in my throat, I could feel the wow factor in her style of expression, so pure, so honest and candid. A big hug for the poet for keeping her head high at the brink of drowning in deep seas of sorrow and pouring the grief into poetry. Bravo!
Poems in this collection mature as the poet enters the realms of understanding and learns to handle life. Wisdom dawns, rage steps in, Tara’s tone changes and a ray of hope shimmers in the later poems. ‘Liar, Liar’ is powerful in this context and lays bare some more truths. Some of the poems would haunt you, touch you deeply and you might need a face tissue while reading. I consider myself emotionally resilient but I had to put my kindle down to balance my emotions.
This one gets 5 shimmering stars.
Thank you.
Balroop Singh.
If you like poetry, check my latest book: Magical Whispers
All three sound exquisite, Balroop, with each touching on different elements and emotions. Excellent reviews.
Thank you Mae. Writing a review for a poetry book is not easy, as there are so many topics and a myriad emotions but I try. 🙂
Lovely reviews, Balroop. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you Jill, I am glad you liked them.
Great review, Balroop. The poetries seem to be awesome.
Thank you Kamal. Yes, the poems in these books have immense depth.
You are always welcome dear Balroop.
A lovely selection Balroop.. Anita and Elizabeth are in the Cafe so will share their reviews there in coming weeks.. and thanks for introducing us to Tara Aryan hugs
Thank you Sally. Tara is new to me too, she approached me through my contact page to review her book and I found her verses worth a mention.
Terrific…thanks again Balroop..hugs
Wonderful reviews, Balroop. Thanks for sharing these works as they each sound enticing in their own style. 🙂
They are Lisa. I read a lot of contemporary poetry by Indie authors and some of them are immensely well-written. Thank you for coming over to support these poets.
Of the three, I have only read Anita Dawes so far. On her work, you and I are in perfect agreement. Terrific reviews. : )
Thank you Cathleen, I appreciate your view.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these three books, Balroop! Each one sounds amazing!
Thank you Jan, your support is greatly appreciated.
Yeah reviews are absolutely poetic, Balroop! It sounds like each poet has her own style and that we writers of prose and poetry can learn a lot by reading each different style. Xo
You are right Pam, no two styles are similar especially for poetry, as each poet’s perceptive eye discerns life in its own way. Thank you for a lovely thought. 😊
Balroop, indeed it is difficult to review poetry books as so many facets are covered within smaller frame work.
You succeed excellently though and make all three books shine.
Will check them out. 🤗.
Miriam
I am delighted to hear that Miriam. Thank you 😊
These all sound wonderful, Balroop! Thanks for sharing… Happy National Poetry Month! ❤
Thank you Bette 🤗
Great reviews, Balroop. Congratulations to the authors!
Thank you Mark.
Good collections, Balroop. Sharing…
Thanks Jacqui.
Thanks a million for the review, Balroop, and for including me here. I’m delighted.
My pleasure Elizabeth. My Girl and Yellow Dress really spoke to me. 🙂
Two of my girls!
All lovely reviews for lovely collections of poetry, Balroop. Thank you for sharing and Congratulations to the authors. ❤️
Thanks Lauren.
Three of them, Balroop. Thanks so much for your thoughtful reviews and recommendations. I enjoyed Minus One, and am quite familiar with Anita’s poetry. Thanks for the introduction to Tara and her book. Congrats to all three poets on the wonderful reviews. 🙂
Thank you Diana for taking some time out of your WIP to read these reviews. Nice way to relax. 🙂 Happy editing.
Thank you Balroop for sharing these beautiful souls books… Sending love and Blessings dear friend ❤ 🙏
Poetry books are a pleasure to share Sue. Thanks for reading my reviews. ❤️🤗
Thank you for sharing them ❤
A wonderful selection of poetry books and insightful reviews, Balroop. What a great way to celebrate National Poetry Month by sharing about the poets and their love of poetry. ❤
Thanks Miriam, as you know poetry is my first love and poetry books an essential part of my reading. 🤗
I know poetry is your first love, Balroop. Your poetry books reflect your love of words. 🙂
Thank you!
Balroop, wow! A superb selection of poetry book and thank you for all your thoughtful reviews. Your advice on Elizabeth Merry’s collection is so true for all haiku and poetry: ‘Read them slowly to discern the real meaning of haiku, as some of them whisper emotions through them.’ Beautiful! Tara’s poems intrigue me, your review is exceptional and the raw clarity of her poems sound incredible. It is wonderful to see poetry gaining a strong foothold with the public and hopefully, it can become increasingly recognised for the gift poetry can give to its readers/listeners.
You always notice the nuances of a thought Annika. Thank you so much for your insights. You have rightly noticed the special aspect of Tara’s poetry and it flows in the dark waters of life yet its appeal is inspirational. 😊
Excellent reviews, Balroop. I have read and enjoyed Elizabeth’s book and the other two interest me greatly.
Thanks for coming over to read and share Robbie, much appreciated.