Poetry Books

Ghalib lived in very turbulent times. The Mughal empire in India was on its last legs and the British empire had tightened its clutches over India. Ghalib even lived through the horrendous 1857 "Sepoy Mutiny" of the "First War of Independence" (depends on whose view you believe in) and saw decimation of Delhi, a city he loved. The anguish of his poems is extremely hard to convey in a sterile language such as English. In any case, Robert Bly and Sunil Dutta's translations are over and above what else is available in the market. Excellent job.

Ghalib's playful poetry in Urdu is fascinating, such as the line in the caption of this review, a fact most Indians are privy to. But having his quirky, self-effacing romantic gems in English is a delight of a different order altogether. The translation is thankfully quite interesting in and of itself which lends this book an amusing, page-turning quality.

Couple of notes:

(1) Get the Ecco Press version if you can find it, the paper quality is less annoying. The Amazon site (this page) advertises a publication from "Rupa Co." which has crummy pages that I regret buying.

(2) Also, the Ecco Press version of the book contains interesting translation notes from Sunil Dutta, which are fun to read. Robert Bly is listed as the editor, and while he hogs the credit, he simply performed the role of revising and redecorating Dutta's copious translation notes.

Either way, I highly recommend this thin volume for people who appreciate poetry in general or "shayari" in particular. I'd gladly pay for more than 30 samples of Ghalib's prolific work.

Although Ghalib is not as well known as the famous Sufi poet Rumi and great Persian poet Hafez, in my view he is even better in some ways. His Urdu poems are sometimes very complex and he was a master at exploiting subtleties of Urdu - a language in which one can write couplets that can be interpreted in several different ways. Furthermore, Ghalib could exploit the Urdu by using ambiguities - one doesn't know whether he is longing for God or his lover in his couplets. Several people have attempted to translate Ghalib and I think it will be next to impossible to get the same color and taste once an Urdu couplet gets changed to English - In my opinion English doesn't have the poetic capacity to absorb the richness of Urdu. Despite these limitations, Bly and Dutta have done a great job. I understand both Urdu and English and therefore I can say with confidence that this book contains the best translations of Ghalib's poems.

The paperback version of this book contains the Ghazals in English, Devnagari, and Urdu script. Go for the paperback and see how the original poems look in Urdu. For those of us who can read Urdu, it is a delight to read the original verses and match them with the English translation.

Ghazals are Urdu poems that have at least five couplets. Interestingly, the couplets within a Ghazal generally are not related to each other and stand on their own. Ghalib is probably the most loved Urdu poet. He was a master of Urdu poetry and his considerable linguistic skills in Urdu and Persian allowed him to create subtle and extremely complex metaphysical, existential, romantic, sad, and biting poems. One reason why Ghalib is not as well known as Rumi (though, a better poem, in my opinion) is the fact that his poetry never received good treatment from other translators. In fact, when I read some of the translations of Ghalib's poem, I sometimes laugh at the idiotic interpretations and mediocre quality. Even when an Urdu scholar translates Ghalib's poem, the problem is that this scholar is often mediocre poet and poor in English penmanship. The results are horrendous (read the translations by Ghalib Academy, New Delhi and see what I mean).

This work by Bly and Dutta is simply marvellous. I think the credit probably goes to Bly as he is not only a great poet, he also has deep experience in translating poetry. I doubt anyone else could have done a better job than this. Well done and thanks.

"M" the missing letter poems is the latest in the collection of works since Christian Benedetto's "War Cries" -cri_es. Setting the tone with an opening quote from Hemingway, what proceeds is a stark, brutal and unrelenting force; where liberation is embedded within a four second free fall -suspended serenity; that which is a lifetime. [from "Aeolian harp"]

Like "War Cries", "M" moves within the collective conscience of those who have experienced war firsthand. Benedetto's grave scenarios -illustrated through close-ups, silhouettes, isolation and voyeurism - create a topsy-turvy world that seems to echo a not so distant past -present? At times my stomach turned with flashbacks of the graphic footage by embedded reporters from the early developments of the "Campaign". The cover artwork by Arielle Sandler is a perfect accompaniment to this turbulent force.

As "M" advances one becomes aware that each poem's dedicatee is a number -a body count? -Comrade? Foe? "Rescue" -for Lucy, threw me a bit as I was expecting the subject of this rescue to be -if at least only metaphorically - about a woman or in memory of, when in fact it was a gendered weapon. I immediately wondered how the readings from Benedetto's "Beauty & The Beast" might change if they were read with a similar perspective -inanimate objects assuming a role of mutual sympathy, a phantom partner projected into reality under excruciating circumstances.

"M" the missing letter poems is an experience of very real and raw emotions. As B. Levy wrote "...the only thing left to do is say a silent prayer - for the author, for the fallen..." Having served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, the 24th MEU SOC (Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable); Benedetto is a decorated combat veteran and life member of Disabled American Veterans.

On first blush,the reader concludes that the poems carry us through a heart of darkness.The sixteen poems certainly contain more murder and mayhem than old time Sunday Thrillers or several levels of X-Box.
What's the appeal?What's the Hook?It's the spirituality.Not in a go to meeting fashion,but more in a meet your maker dialogue.
The works cover a canvas of emotions:"Rescue" is romantic and chivalrous
"Ziveli"salutes his fallen foe
"Lee Harvey"conveys thoughts of both the hunter and the hunted
"Aeolian Harp"brings to mind a similarly titled work by Thoreau
"Light Weight",a particularly timelypiece,speaks of redemption through self improvment
"Looking Glass"reflects on the ephemeral nature of our fate
"Fail Trade"addresses justice ,coming back to haunt the prosecution
"Uncivil Servant"finds the individual self,through rebellion against the state
These works take us through war,love andviolence.It's not always pretty and not often easy, but it is about the discovery of the spiritual in the 21st century.

"M the missing letter poems" by Christian Benedetto presents with poignance and raw power the reflections and remembrances of combat. Moving way beyond personal battlefield reflections, each verse reaches deep down into the spirit of the author. A decorated Vietnam veteran, Benedetto effectively and colorfully presents allies and enemies, each with a sense of camaraderie or menance -- or sometimes both. I liked this collection of short poems a lot, especially because the author was so effective in cultivating conflicting feelings through his own images of conflict.

This is another heartfelt book of poetry from Christian Benedetto. For those of us who have never experienced war first hand, Mr. Benedetto takes us on a harrowing journey on to the modern day battlefield and into the mind of a solidier who has been there. These are unforgettable statements about the human experience.

The book was fantastic! It is not often that a combat soldier takes the time to put his thoughts into extremely raw, yet justified, poetry.

While I prefer my first edition solely because of the layout, this second edition has several advantages. Where the first edition had short chapters on metrics, sonics and tropes, the second edition has more than doubled the material included and divided it into four levels - typographic, sonic, sensory and ideational.

Then comes the glory of this book - the book of forms with a form finder and wonderfully clear definitions of the form. The language of origin of the form, the basis of its metrical scheme (syllablic, accentual etc), a description of the metric and rhyme schemes and a very clear notation illustrating the scheme are given. Variants are cross-referenced or included. This material is basically the same as in the first edition. However, this book includes sample poems based on the structure as well as references in the text (unlike the appended bibliography of the first edition) of other poems in the form.

Anyone who is serious about poetry - either as a reader or a writer - should consider Turco's Book of Forms as an essential resource.

I had Lewis Turco in 1980 in my freshman year of college at Oswego State in New York. The original book was required for the poetry class I took with him, and though it was a slim paperback, held gobs of information about meter, rhyme, prosody and all the rest. The New Book of Forms is expanded, I'm sure after his teaching proved his previous work incomplete. (I teach my self, and am always revising my curriculum...) I am using the book this year in my own creative writing class (grades 9-12) and highly recommend it.

I've never seen the original Book of Forms, so I don't know whether this update is worth buying as a replacement, but I do know that the new version is an excellent tool for people like myself who are trying to make their poetry more technical.

It goes way beyond the typical "rhyme and meter" section in a creative-writing textbook; it gives lots of examples, some of which hold exactly to the forms and some of which deviate; and it gives appropriate cross-references. It also has a general discussion/glossary of poetry, and especially of formal poetry, so that you know what Turco's talking about when he starts referring to hendecasyllabic lines and so forth.

Really, I have no complaints about it at all. Even if you only intend to buy a few books on poetry, this one should definitely make the short list.

Turco has condensed the entire craft of poetry into less than 300 meaty pages, packed with vital info. If you're looking to learn about the mechanics of poems or just simply looking for something exciting to write besides sonnets, haiku, and free verse, this book WILL have what you need. It is a veritable fount of knowledge that will keep flowing even after your Muse has hit the road.

I've been thinking of buying a handbook of poetry for some time and decided that before I laid out any money I would survey the field at the public library. Having spent at least 10 to 12 hours in the past 3 months I conclude that this is the book to own. It's clearly and concisely written, it gives examples to illustrate the various forms and techniques (and references to further examples) and it is comprehensive. The only drawbacks are that it lacks a bibliography section where you can get a complete citation to the books and journals referred to in the text, and it lacks a comprehensive index.

I write educational songs for a living, stuff in the vein of Schoolhouse Rock. I used to rely on online rhyming dictionaries until I found this book, which is about 20 times more thorough than any website I've found. This book has saved me countless hours and made my songs immeasurably better. I love this book!

I use this book often to write poetry. It is helpful that it has many phrases that I would not usually think of on my own.

I bought this, not too long ago, for a friend of mine who is a high school English teacher. She raves about how helpful it is to her in class and how much the kids enjoy using it.

She has stressed its value so much that I now feel it is a must for my reference library. After all we've all been there, trying to find a rhymne for that odd word. It's like trying to think of a synonym something and there not a thesaurus to be found.

I teach a college course in songwriting, and in preparing to teach the course did an extensive review of many rhythming dictionaries. This one is by far the best, for the reasons other reviewers have stated.

If you buy one rhyming dictionary, make it this one. It's the one I use.

Hi

It has been my good fortune to songwrite with many of the world's greatest songwriters, and to have had a bit of commercial success. So, for what it's worth, I offer the following review of this dictionary, plus a few other recommendations for aspiring lyricists and songwriters.

I own eight or nine rhyming dictionaries, and am constantly on the lookout for others, and basically, they all pretty much suck compared to this one. You certainly don't need any of them but this one, and I am continually surprised when browsing through bookshops to see many of those other lousy books on the shelves, but not Sue Young's excellent reference book. I don't know what the explanation for that is, but whatever it is, it has nothing to do with quality. If something has superceded it, I don't know about it.

Young's book has four main strengths which put it above the pack:

1.) It simply has a greater number of rhyming words than other dictionaries;

2.) It includes rhyming phrases, e.g., when you go to look for rhymes for "ground" you will find (amongst single words) phrases like "merry go round", "lost and found", etc. This feature is a valuable rarity.

3.) It arranges the rhyming options under each suffix in groups according to numbers of syllables: first there are the single syllable options, then the two syllable options, and so on. Believe it or not, I have a number of rhyming dictionaries which instead list options in alphabetical order (mixing up one, two, three, and four syllable options), obviously a cumbersome and time-wasting arrangement.

4.) Unlike those found in most other dictionaries, Young's rhyming lists include slang words/phrases, contractions, acronyms, obscenities, abbreviations, etc. Beat poets to Broadway lyricists to Ogden Nash humourists to rock writers will all appreciate these.

Perhaps I might also add that if you are an aspiring songwriter who wishes to enjoy commercial success (i.e., getting on the radio in whatever genre, or in broadway shows, etc.), Young's book could help form a kind of "starter reference package". The components would include:

1.) The New Comprehensive American Rhyming Dictionary by Sue Young

2.) Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus by Barbara Ann Kipfer (this is the best one out there).

3.) Any or all of the Sheila Davis lyric writing books, especially, "Successful Lyric Writing: A Step-by-Step Course and Workbook". (Davis' books are clinical and mechanical, but you need to know song mechanics in order to be a consistently successful songwriter. Her books are really good for this, though won't be appreciated by those certain that each aspect of a song is dictated by heavenly muses rather than largely being the product of conscious and unconscious mental effort).

4.) If you would like an in-depth, "artistic" perspective on songwriting by a successful songwriter, add to this list the Jimmy Webb book, "Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting". (This one isn't necessary, it just may be of interest to some people).

I should add that most of the other "How to Write a Song!" type books out there are total garbage, so I wouldn't even bother with them.

But by far the best thing aspiring songwriters can do is deconstruct their own favourite songs to see why and how they work, and then incorporate what they discover into their own catalogue of creative knowledge.

Anyway, bravo to Sue Young for coming up with the best rhyming dictionary out there.

I hope this review has helped someone. Good luck.

I always try to keep an extra of this book on the shelf for when an anniversary comes around for special people. I received this book years ago and just love it. Everyone I have given this book to just loves the verse and the beautiful graphics. I am so happy I can always go to Amazon.com when I need more copies.

great book for a older anniversary gift especially 50th anniversary. hard cover nice pictures and verses. my amazon coppy had a small tear on corner of the corner of the jacket of the book which was not seen until I opened it but jacket gives a nice presentation. Do to amazon mail packaging.

Whew! What wonderful, choice words Warren Hanson uses to describe love--from first love to "older love," whether he means being in love again when you are older, or the love between people who have been together for years upon years.

His subtle rhyme describes love, especially older love, using images of wine, hands, old shoes, and so much more.

My favorite page says: "Yes, our faces show the traces of the years that have gone by, But it's hard to see the wrinkles with a twinkle in your eye." His "aging together" is so true; just ask me after almost 38 years of marriage (to the same guy!)

The older love concept is so beautifully illustrated--it's simply great knowing that everyone who has a long love will find themselves in this book.

Hanson is both the author and illustrator--as he did on his amazing The Next Place. He is well known for his illustrations on now-famous The Christmas Cup of Tea.

Armchair Interviews says: Gift someone special any day, or on their special day because any day is a good time to celebrate love, whether new or older love.

Though Older Love is written and presented in the style of a picturebook, with gentle two-color illustrations and only a verse or two on each page, Older Love is not meant specifically for children or beginning readers, but rather for readers of all ages, as it celebrates the joy of a golden years relationship. The text is a poem about bonds that transcends age, and the illustrations have a soft and inviting quality to them. An excellent and heartwarming giftbook. "Older love is hands and hearts and souls as they unite / every morning, every evening, / every day and every night. / Like the sun and moon and stars that light the heavens up above, / these two lives will shine together, / with the glow of older love."

Warren Hanson has truly captured the true meaning of love. Written in poetic form makes it for easy reading. As he walks us through true love from the very beginning with all its passion to our tender quiet love in our twilight years, one can see ones own true love unfold. I can't imagine anyone putting this book down with a dry eye. What a beautiful, beautiful gift to all. The illustrations are superb. What a gem

Even though I have been more familiar with those well known Spanish romantic poets like Ruben Dario, Amado Nervo, Arciniegas, Neruda or even Becquer, I have found in Daniel Roth's poems kind of a new blossom and fragrance of human knowledge, human thoughts and all human passions. I have been deeply touched by two specific poems I found in Act III: "Who Will Pack My Boxes" and "Five Boxes" .These two poems written with an exquisite simplicity bring me back to the harsh reality of life.

With palpable sensuality and occasional whimsy, Daniel Roth takes the reader along with him on a deep and delightful journey through pain, passion, love, and wonder. His poems have a timeless, universal quality. I want to read them over and over. Enthralling!

These poems, particularly the most recent ones, are at once intimate and disclosing, yet raw and poignant. They actually draw the reader into the soul of the poet. Like Bukowski, Roth's poems can be blunt, hitting one in the stomach when least expected -- yet at the same time they are lyrical, even gentle. Roth's love poems to the mysterious, elusive A cut to the quick -- they make the reader ache with the poet's longing, hunger, senual overload and exhaustion.

A magnificent volume from a poet who tells us he has just emerged from the closet. Encore!

This is a remarkable collection of poems that flooded me with my own memories. A book to read and reread many times.

The poems are profoundly intimate and personal with pleasuable sensuality. Daniel's collection of 'reductive poetry' gives hope in our struggles towards collective human-ness...

Debbie Rogers is one of the most accomplished poets that I have ever known. Her way with words leaves you feeling like you have learnt a little more about life. I have enjoyed every one of her poems that I have read and would highly recomend this book for anyone.

Debbie Rogers has captured the heart and soul of human goodness in her new book"Patchwork Of Rymes" smiles and tear's, she has epitimized every emotion one could have and brought it to light beautifully, She has taken us to a higher path of spirituality and faith in a loving God in her book,No one should miss out on this book, It truelly is a must read, Mercee.

Debbie Rogers is one of the most talented poets I have ever had the privilege to read. Her simple, honest, and beautiful words will touch your heart, and bring smiles,tears and laughter.
This book is a MUST BUY for all poetry lovers.

I am very familiar with Mrs. Rogers poetic works. She is an accomplished poet and writer.
Here work arouses the emotions in the reader, which is essential any important poetic endeavor.
Mrs. Rogers has been writing poetry for years and is well known through-out the Poetry community.
If you like comprehensive and well composed poetry...don't miss this opportunity to buy one of
the most outstanding works on the Poetic market!

Jackie R. Kays

Author of; "The Stone Throwers" "To Die Alone" and "Desperado's Gold"

This book is the best peotry book out there and Im not just saying that because Debbie is my mother, i am saying it because I have read all her peotry and I have been there on all the occasions when the idea for a new poem came around. She is a beautiful woman, mother, and nana to all 6 granbabies and we all love her very much. Enjoy her book and many others that she will be getting out there for everyone to see. Love you mom!!

Sue Holt's poetry is truly inspirational. She shows how faith can overcome great difficulties, and that no matter what, survival is possible. Everyone will find strength in her poems.

Holt submerges her life experiences of manic depression within her deeply moving and inspirational poetry. Her language is dark and grabbing and she is a highly skilled poet at evoking pathos. This is my favorite book of poetry and I recommend it to anyone.

Sue Holt's book gathers dozens of vibrant poems. She has that gift which only great writers possess, that makes you very concerned about what she's talking about _in this case, mental illness_
A very emotional journey...

"Snot and Tears"

Sue Holt's portrayal of Jesus Christ is courageous to say the least. Sue admits to feeling no repentance to not describing Jesus' love through reverent verses in " Poems of Survival". Sue describes her encounters with God through "snot and tears", and makes no apology for the offence this may cause others, for Sue this was the reality surrounding her conversion to knowing the living God.
Sue knows that Jesus was with her in situations, which many may shy away from. To her Jesus is not the "untouchable" God often portrayed; He is her rock and deserves to be acknowledged through her painful choice of words. Sue knows you may find her reality uncomfortable, but her greatest wish is that you will discover the reality of God's love shining through her honesty.

Dark and uplifting poetry concentrating on manic depression, abuse, love, pity, bewilderment and love. Holt's Poetry gives you a frisson and puts a tear to your eye. Christianity gives her the faith to bounce back and rejoin life. Although it must be said that the writing process itself seems to have made a magic wand for us the reader as well.

I bought this book along with the 'Hours of Youth.' I really liked both collections and very similar to the second volume of work, I found the poetry in the first book to be a rich display of passion & intimacy and a deliverance of sheer literary music. Well worth the money spent.

Arman,

C'est Viktoriya. Je suis a Chicago et je cherche de toi, je voudrais te voir et parler avec toi.
J'attendrai ton lettre ou ton appel.

Et pour le "review", tu deja connais que j'adore ta poesie :)

A pretty decent book. I liked the first half more than the second half. I thought that the love poems were too cheesy and kinda read all the same. But still I would recommend it for the good ones that it contains.

An excellent collection with much character to it. I enjoyed the love poems quite a bit, though not all of them are as powerful in emotive strength as the others. But still this does not detract from the overall excellent style of the book.

This book is not like any particular current style that I have come across but still it reads with a modern voice almost dare I say, with a timeless voice, a transcending narrative of an age. I am not sure what to make of the book on the whole, but I liked many of the poems, especially the love poems a lot. I am not surprised that others liked them too.

I enjoyed every minute of this book. The poems are wonderful. I recommend this book to everyone. I acn't wait for more books from this author.

This book of poems are true snowflakes. Each and every one of them paint a picture that make our silent thoughts come to vision and insirational feelings. All the emotions we hold back in every day life flow from our hearts and eyes when read. This is a true treasure and I will cherish this book the rest of my life. It has hope, love, and light at the end of each tunnel.

This book touched my life in so many ways. I hope this writer has plans of another book or two. The words just melt your heart and help heal past ill feelings about life in general. He makes it so easy to see life in a BEAUTIFUL light. You'll Love this
book. His tribute to 9-11 was wonderful.

This book is MUCH more than I expected.. It is a TRUE TREASURE.
I loved it so much I have purchased 4 more for gifts to my dearest freinds. I know they will treasure this beautiful book of dreams, feelings, pictures that come from the words are so clear and just splended... This is a keeper on my coffee table for years to come. I want all of my visitors to enjoy such love and beauty.

Just BEAUTIFUL is the sum of the book. It allowed me to see life in a diffrent light and laught me to LOVE again. This is a MUST
for everyone I know. Well worth the money.