Inspirational and so helpful for poets and non poets!
344903
As a poet I so enjoyed this book. The use of poetry as 'medicine' is one that I am an example of. I went off of a very addictive anti Anxiety medication and poetry came in to 'save the day!". I highly recommend this book and the authors genuine love for poetry and poets came thorough loud and clear.

Thank you John Fox.
2436284
Great poetic and inspiring book to read. The writer posses great gift in articulating her ideas on life's experiences which initiates thought provoking and emotionally inspiring insights "Dance" moments in life's journey. She comes with new perspectives and fresh ideas on how to view what one goes through in life with the resultant triumphant end.
The book is well organized piece of writing which exudes clarity of thought, its presented in a way that is logical and aesthetically pleasing. The scenes or ideas are well ordered.
The poet ( Sharon Njoroge) has good writing skills which includes smart and appropriate word choices and well crafted sentences. The poet has unique way of joining stringing words together which sounds musical, well formulated ideas, with well related scenes and images which would be familiar to the reader or initiate curiosity of thought of the new images created.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN POETICAL READINGS.
2016019
I thoroughly enjoyed Legacy of Wisdom Through Poetry. Its a book of poems that has something for every type of reader. I even plan on having my 10 year old daughter read a few of the poems, specifically Team Work and Always Do Your Best. Inspiration, is my favorite chapter by far. All in All a great buy. You won't be disappointed!
4385409
As a reader and lover of poetry, I am particularly fond of anthologies. There's a thrill that comes with discovering a new poet, or seeing a favorite poet in a different context and setting. That's why when I got my hands on Persistent Voices - Poetry by Writers Lost to AIDS, a wonderful collection edited by Philip Clark and David Groff, I was eager to spend some quality time with the likes of Tim Dlugos, Essex Hemphill, and Reginald Shepherd. I was also delighted to be introduced to poets who were unfamiliar to me, such as George Whitmore and David Craig Austin.

The poems in this anthology bring forth a myriad of emotion. Some capture the burn of physical pleasure. Some sing of the universal joys of love. Some represent the foreshadowing of their poets' deaths. Their common thread, sadly, is that these poems leave us wanting more. We want more from these poets, who left us too soon. We want to call them and discuss mood and meaning. We want to hug them and nod together in recognition. We want to pre-order their next book. We want to learn from them, to comfort them, to gain strength from their poetic fierceness.  We want them. And sometimes, proving the true power of poetry, we are them.

Persistent Voices is more than a catalogue of strong poetry by poets who were equally strong (in many ways). Persistent Voices reminds us of the importance of poetry, of its place in society and of how it creates a degree of immortality. It teaches us, again, of how, with pen and paper, the truly persistent voices of these men and woman (yes, there are female poets included here) continue to be heard, to change lives, and to touch souls.

Many thanks to the poets, to their families and estates, and to Philip and David for sharing and preserving these gems.

This book receives my highest recommendation.
2218477
Laux and Addonizio's "Companion" offers chapters and exercises that are sure to inspire the minds and enrich the work of beginning AS WELL AS experienced poets. An invaluable resource. A gem.
1962613
I am enjoying this poetry book so deeply.  Everyday I read a new poem and everyday I think "this one is my favorite!" Then the same thing happens to me the next day! I've been reading the poems in random order-first I do my morning meditation-A daily practice nourished through Cosetta's guidance. Then I read a poem. I feel her positive teachings and how much she's supported and challenged me to grow all throughout my day.
3230099
Reviewed by Rachel Rose
I am not a poet who uses prompts. Generally, I have adhered to the notion that poems should come through sheer force of inspiration or will, without help from outside forces.  But when I learned that Kelli Russell Agodon and Martha Silano (two poets whose work I admire; disclaimer: I am acquainted with the former) had published this book, I decided to investigate. I'm happy to report I found much to admire, and much to inspire as well. Organized with a prompt for each day of the year, The Daily Poet is also a literary, linguistic and artistic romp that will encourage poets to let their imaginations roam, to risk thinking of language and innovation in new ways, and to delve into the serious play that is creating poetry. Consider, for example, January 27th, where the prompt requires you to circle all of the words that interest you in a newspaper article, and then to use these words in new ways. The authors came up with "fracking" as one example, and suggested "fracking one's heart." What an exciting turn of phrase! All poets, whether emerging or launched, can benefit from the encouragement and inspiration that The Daily Poet offers. It also delivers a poetic education, incorporating links to poems read by famous poets en route. If I had one request, it would be more prompts that engage with traditional forms. While there are terrific poem prompts for list poems, ekphrastic verse and couplets (among others) I know I'm not alone in loving the rigorous challenges of formal verse, and students tend to respond to such prompts with some of their best work. But this is a minor quibble--The Daily Poet delights. Now excuse me; I'm off to write a Curse. (June 2nd).
966416
I am not Christian, and so this is not a book I would have easily found on my own. I met the son of the author in an airport of all places. We talked about books and writing, and he described his mother's work. Curious, I purchased it when I returned home. I'm an historian and former journalist and much of my work centers on civil rights, and therefore often focuses on the role of faith communities in our society's progress in that area.  I found Julia Crim's poetry to be intriguing, provocative (in the true sense of that word--provoking me to think), and quite polished. I intend to make a gift of the book to some of my friends who value poetry as a means of spiritual exploration. One need not be a scholar, a Christian or a lover of poetry to appreciate this lovely book, but it will have special resonance for those who fall in any or all of those groups.  I feel quite fortunate to have had that seemingly random conversation in the airport!
374412
Loved this book! It has so much wisdom and was so beautifully written That I bookmarked countless pages. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in reading a good poem.
3698828
Amazing inspirational book of poetry.  I could not put it down and I still snuggle up with it and a glass of wine at every opportunity I get. I can not say enough about this amazing thought provoking author!  If you are a poetry lover, this book is a must have to add to your collection!
2757367
Brooke McNamara is a beautiful writer. This book lives on my bedside table along with my other favorites so I can reach for it whenever I feel the need to reconnect to a wise voice. Her poems are accessible to any human - and also seem to speak specifically to you. Highly recommend. If you are coming across this for the first time (lucky you!) take the leap and get it. It will become one of your favorites that you can return to over and over. Also makes a great gift for anyone!
3799360
What a wonderful book, not just to me but to give as a gift as well!  I'll be ordering a bunch.  As I read my copy I couldn't wait to turn to the next page.  It's very inspiring and gratifying to hear from women of all walks off life, famous and not.  It made me think that I have a few quotes to share, too.  Thank you Pauline Weger for collecting these quotes and adding mini-biographies from each woman.  Knowing a bit of their background made me appreciate what they said even more.  Apart from the beautiful words, the layout of the book is a treasure as well -- soft colors and simple graphics.  It felt good in my hands, so I didn't want to put it down.  Way to go, Pauline and collaborators!
2567639
I am adding my kudos to the other reviewers of this unique anthology of poems dealing with some of the more difficult experiences many, if not most of us, encounter at some point during our lives, and the variety of ways we've found to deal or are still dealing with same. With topics as diverse as depression, anger, abuses of all kinds, unimaginable tragedy, bullying - to name a few - the twenty-one poets from points around the planet - talk candidly and poetically about the multifaceted kinds of human pain. As it would be if one emerged "Beyond the Dark Room" work is also included about what it is like to come out the other side--to endure--when one might feel: calm, empowered, confident, trustful. As one of the poets included in this compilation, I cannot help but be impressed by the courage my fellow poets have demonstrated; it is matched only by the quality of their work, and I am humbled to be in their company. Special thanks to editor Dr. Pearl Ketover Prilik, our guiding light and a personal inspiration.
2606999
I am completely crazy about this book and I don't normally read poetry books or books about writing poetry.  But as a HS librarian I was trying to find something to help my English teachers who struggle every year to come up with lesson ideas for their poetry units.  I struck gold with this book.  I actually took six of Wooldridge's ideas and created lesson plans from them which I share with the teachers.  For example, I cut up an old wildflower book, laminated the pictures, so that teachers could do an activity about naming plants and then writing poetry about the names. Though I dabble a little in writing my own poetry, I find that I always enjoy following little formulas to help unlock my creative juices.  This book has several cute and fun formulas to assist the beginning poets.  I highly recommend this book!
1885522
This book celebrates words of passion. Kim Rosen is a wise woman who brings poetry alive through stories of life's challenges and triumphs. Too often poetry can be dry, taught as an academic exercise in structure and rhyme. Yet, Kim shows us how poetry is passionate, full of juicy words, delicious images, and complex metaphors that illuminate life.
Kim uses poetry to "undress her voice" again and again. "I have often called on a poem to help me bring out a voice from within me that I have been unable to access on my own." How many of us are still when our wise leadership is needed? How many of us stop our words when they might actually help someone dear to us?
Read this book to awaken your own sense of what matters the most to you and to awaken the passion inside to take the steps that are yours to take. Plus, you might just decide to start memorizing a few poems!
153743
I love this book. The writing the poems. I am a poet and found the book an inspiration for observing and writing.
4450672
A book of encouragement, wisdom, humor and strength, qualities every writer needs.  This book will help you become a better writer AND a better reader.  I'm heading to the library to pick up a few of the authors she mentions. Through Pamela Des Barres' inspiring prompts and guidance, I plan to Let It Bleed!