A great introduction to a poet who is on a unique journey of the human spirit
340017
Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. / Horseman, pass by!
This is the poet Yeats desired epitaph, as he stated in Under Ben Bulben. The nobility and wisdom of the lines are my best way of describing a poet who is just as alive as Yeats was when he wrote His iconic poem. He is Michael Perkins of Woodstock, NY. His description of himself as he is now, after a decade of Parkinsons, has that kind of blunt acceptancethe loping walk, the spastic movements. My head juts forth like a turtles. Its this kind of clarity that places Michael Perkins in a milieu that few people reach. It is reflected in his unpredictable views. These include sex therapy, eroticism, saluting symbols of country and God, monotheism, the Beats, Sammy Davis Jr and the meanness that beat him down to acceptance. I assure you, you will never read in fewer sentences a more assured, coherent, spiritual perspective on these and other matters. _The Pocket Perkins_, a brief compendium of his works and convictions, has the cold nobility and heroism of Yeats. Instead of Ben Bulben, we have here Great Overlook, about which Perkins wrote one of his most admired poems.

Despite his physical problems, he is strong in body and soul. He is a flanneur, walking in, around, and through Woodstock, contemplating the all in this microcosm. He has, in fact, accomplished the major task and reason for existence, to grow a soul. Read this book and find out whyyou will be convinced.

Michael Perkins began his career in the 1960s, writing novels about the exploration of human sexual desire. One of these, _Evil Companions_, is considered today one of the key documents of the period, just as his _Down Here_ is indispensable to anyone who wants to feel, not just think about, the lives of young people exploring themselves and the residents of the East Village at that time. His reviews of American literature are the best essays, in my opinion, on the subject since D H Lawrences _Studies in Classic American Literature_. These essays have been twice collected in anthologies.

The best gift this author presents to his readers is the gift of spirituality.
1955968
Ignite Your Light presents a collection of poems that give an insight into the authors mind and her quest to find fulfilling happiness. Each poem is written in an active and present voice, making the reader feel as if they are given access to the authors self-reflections. The poems range a wide breadth of topics; from the beauty of an autumn morning to aging with self-love and acceptance, but each radiates a genuine and mature love of life that is touching in its sincerity. I thoroughly enjoyed Ignite Your Light, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for positivity and light in their life.
569495
There are poets whose work springs solely from localized, personal experience.  There are others whose personal history takes on global significance, and David Austells work is born from the latter.  His is a vision without geographic boundaries. His work extends beyond earthly confines as evidenced in his book Garuda and New Poems of Astral Planes.  In these poems Austell launches his rocket of words out into the ether to conquer worlds beyond our own.  Still, they remain grounded in deep individual instances that convey universal appeal.  Yoking erudition and accessibility, he enhances our understanding of ordinary experience while traveling through limitless realms.  In Fixed in Glass, there is a subtle sensibility and a haunting beauty that is life affirming in its optimism:

that breath, at last,
Will pass through dying like light through colored glass.

In Ophelia he demonstrates the fine line between our perceptions and actuality and a historic link of feelings indigenous to all history, all time.  There is a lamentation for those moments between reality and desire where we reside most times:

  your lips
did I ever kiss them, or dream
I kissed them more times than could
be counted?

Austell anchors metaphors and experiences in many parts of the globe resulting in startling insights. He demonstrates the great links of similarities among people and places both earthly and interstellar.  In reaching beyond our world, he speaks to us in the voices of multiple minds and diverse perspectives that underscore our common bonds.  There is the heartrending image of simple baseball games compared to the monumental achievements of soaring into space, the very humanity of our existence that we carry with us no matter what heights we attain.  His pioneers who reach the high point of Olympic Mons on Mars reflect the sacrifices of exploration both externally and internally.  With great pathos this is reflected in the final lines of explorer Dr. Sarah Wheeler the author of  Plastic Petals who states:

  just because Love meant (No) then,
  Love  might mean (Yes) yet.

These words evoke the eternal optimism of the human spirit that seeks to unite, to illuminate, and to teach us that our essence transforms, adapts and soars, seeking its immortality.  Time is not as relevant as the lineage of our efforts and striving.  As conveyed in the Epilogue, a base is established on the shoulders of those who have gone before.

With remarkable sensitivity and a nobility to rely on our human frailties, Austells words astonish us in a contemplative, reflective fashion in private moments of self-realization. His is an open, expansive heart that climbs the highest peaks and is yet tethered to very private and discrete moments that evoke a universal consciousness.

Karen Corinne Herceg, Poet & Author
847646
is a thought-provoking collection of poems in two parts.  Part I contains poems of observation, humor, things-familiar, homage and reflection (some are amusingly devious).  Part II is a partial recasting and continuation of Harrison's stunning chapbook entitled "An Undertaking"--a very personal journey through great tragedy.

As with Harrison's previous books, his poems are extremely accessible and make one stop and think about life and the influence that we have on one another and our circumstances (and coincidences).  The two seemingly disparate parts of this fine book are brilliantly tied together by the first and last poems, "Incomplete Knowledge" and "The Names of Things".
2994573
This is a really great collection of some deep insights into the mystery and paradoxical nuances of life, and our intimate yet disassociated drama with reality. Stefan takes us on an existential journey through the intricacies of his mind while not being ashamed of allowing himself to appear vulnerable in the personal questions he seeks answers for. These poems are an unfolding of honest self exploration and the prize for taking the time to struggle with oneself. Stefan Walczak is a brave poet and should be acknowledged for his pursuit of truth.
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.
2662899
There is much more to this new book PATHS: PHOTO/POETIC JOURNEYS.  Yes, is a sensitively designed combination of photographs paired with poems, but read a bit further than the main content of this volume and discover that the poet is David Edminster (a man with a growing reputation for children's books) and the photographer/artist is Patty Edminister, the author's wife (the two have collaborated before but in a different venue). So we have a husband/wife team who are walking through  a life journey and sharing that journey with other readers they hope to inspire.  It is important to note their background: both are involved in education - David teaches special needs children and is a Vietnam veteran having served in Vietnam during the peak of that war 1968 -1971; in addition to her involvement with education Patty is a cancer survivor.  Knowing this information adds depth to to the experience of this book.

The book consists of 20 poems covering an expanse of time and focusing on nature, life, loss of loved ones, and love.  Each poem is paired with a color photographic image of both scenic vistas of nature and the ordered life within beautifully lighted rooms.  For instance, the poem 'No One's There' is a reveries about the loneliness of the elderly and the partner poem is a subtly lighted elegant but empty room where picture and old furniture dwell without human warmth. Patty's images vary from close-ups of hands, of a ceramic angel, of sunsets, of forest bowers - and of an image of Patty and David.  David's poems have their own rhyming meter and address universals - his last poem from 2011 is accompanied by Patty's photograph of the couple:

TWO HEARTS
Two hearts beat together
In good times or in bad
Two souls, one forever
Each dawn we are so glad

Life can be uncertain
Disease exacts a heavy toll
But cannot touch a will to live
Nor can it touch a soul

So, every day we say our thanks
Know that we are blessed
We ask for strength, unwavering faith
While we struggle through this test

And when at last all is said and done
We shall be never alone
Two souls live on forever
Although heaven may call you home

For cancer is a terrible thing
That can steal a way a life
But if cannot steal a love like ours
My soul mate and my wife

This is a simple book, no pretensions about being great art, but it is a collection of thoughts that will well serve every reader who is experiencing challenges of living.  Consider the givers.  Treasure life.  Grady Harp, October 11
59926
Victor P. Gendrano's second book, Haiku and Tanka Harvest, is a
journey into the heart and soul of the poet.
His poetic works are honest, sincere and, above all, will
leave permanent footprints in the reader's heart.
From loneliness, heartache, joy, and happiness, this
book weaves a tapestry of his life's winding road.
Haiku and Tanka Harvest is a must addition
to any poet's library.

Pamela A. Babusci, Editor of Moonbathing: a journal of women's tanka
774256
What an interesting and unique twist on a look at poetry!  The book takes the experiences and growth throughout the author's life, splits it into three sections, then shows that growth through his poems in each of those areas.

The first offerings in each section are more elemental and are obviously not polished but as one reads on, each poem progresses in ability and depth, showing the growth of a person through the advancement of the poems.

All of the poems show incredible promise and some show true beauty and depth.  It will be interesting to see how this author continues in his journey, both in life and in writing.
3439100
I finally finished reading Ryan Omega's newest collection of written words. This book is an emotional journey through fictional and real characters that create a dreamlike atmosphere for the reader as the author takes you through his spiritual world and visions. It is obvious that while there are many voices in the book, there is underneath them a compelling narrative of growth and connection between the points of view portrayed. At once naive, as folk art should be, and emotionally wise; I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read fresh, modern poetry from a new lyricist.
2027278
Kyle Shanebeck is an expressive, edgy young poet who exhibits wisdom beyond his years, and I love his work. His personal collection is a highly emotional journey from start to finish. His style is eloquent, classic, and structured while his subject matter is relatable and fresh, especially for a guy in his early twenties like me. Broken down into four reflection-themed and distinct chapters, "Awake the Reflections" has its somber moments, but it definitely has its shocking, raw moments as well. "Growing Old", for example, is an unusual and disturbing poem that left me with my mouth open--he knows how to paint a picture, and he really knows how to make you think.

Each poem in this collection hits close to home. My personal favorite "The House Where Nothing Grows" was the one that brought back a flood of bittersweet memories and left me unexpectedly emotional, and I assure you, there is at least one poem in this book for everyone that will do the same thing. This will be an awesome addition to your collection whether you're in need of some internal reflection time or in need of something quotable--it's that good. Not to mention, the cover is superb. It's going on my coffee table.
1625908
A beautifully written journey that somehow makes it seem as she is speaking to or about you.  I thoroughly enjoy going back and reading it over.  I always pick up something I have missed or somehow the meaning is different each time.  I recommend this book for every poetry lover.
3522100
It's difficult to think of something appropriate to say about a man who spent his life trying to express the panorama of humanity through the lense of his own heart. From a drop of blood to the grandeur of a shipyard or a continent, he takes all readers on a journey wild with raving, raging, sorrow, longing, humbleness and pride. At once he is totally modern and yet rife with history.

For readers new to poetry, Walt Whitman is wonderfully accessible. One can pick up Leaves of Grass and virtually start and stop anywhere and pick up something wonderful every time.

Not to be missed.
1245786
In A Little Book On Form, former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Robert Hass, takes us on An Exploration Into The Formal Imagination Of Poetry  an adventure no poet, poetry student, poetry teacher, or poetry lover will want to miss!

Flipping through the complimentary copy of this Ecco Imprint that the publisher, HarperCollins, kindly sent me to review, I caught a glimpse of the unique approach of this highly recommended book, which came together over many years as the poet jotted down quick phrases or notes to himself that have been included in these pages. For example, in discussing the uncommon three-line poem in chapter 3, the poet writes:

Two often regarded as an aspect of one, so that with three number as such, the many, begins. And is infinite. Oddness. Not divisible. So that  trinity, for example  mystery begins here.

Scattered throughout this freshly conceived book on poetry forms, little notes let us in on the poets actual thoughts in real time as though were passionately engaged in a lively discussion about a topic we all love.
1525724
This is one of the more fascinating and eccentric collections of poems of recent years
-- very plain spoken, somewhat disjunct, -its craft unsystematic and not initailly  that impressive--
yet very distinct, vulnerable and stubborn--a  poet of psychology, very internal,
 sometimes glum and sometimes a cracker of jokes.
  What's compelling here is the solitary and existential nature of the  engagement ;
a soul struggling on a very plain level with the task of being alive in the
absence of  any obvious meaning. In that way it seems almost european, (like ekelof or transtromer)
this poetics. Reading these poems is a very intimate experience, a private encounter, and
somehow tender and  consoling. Louise Gluck (in her choices of first books
by this and other young poets) consistently has demonstrated such a  wise and penetrating
and interesting taste --based on what is most essential to poetry.
2961186
Dr. Webster unlocks a reading of Yeats, and poetry in general, which challenges without cynicism. Loving Yeats seems easy, yet this selection digs and picks at the underlying nature of humanity (read "Meru" or "Sailing to Byzantium"). Reading this forced me to think, but not walk away as a nihilist. Yeats aand Webster bring back feelings of hope whilst creating an atmosphere to wander and conclude on your own. Grab this book to awaken your soul.
1635677
These poems, heartfelt and revealing, track key moments and relationships in the poet's life as he faces up to the mirror of mortality and his responsibilities. In doing so, they prompt in the reader consideration of the journey that all of us may take in our own lives as we come to terms with our failures and our courage. One meets the poet in these poems. And a mirror.