Poetry Books

As the years go by, and my range of knowledge grows, I find myself being drawn back again and again to John Donne. Unlike one of the previous reviewers, I do share his religion and even practice a more modern version of his denomination. Still there is something more there. As far as comparing Donne with Eliot, although I think Eliot was a great poet, there is more depth of feeling in Donne's work. However, one must consider that Eliot put his wife away (literally) when she became an embarassment because her mental problems. Since these turned out to be hormonally driven, this betrayal is all the more tragic. Donne, on the other hand, after years of carousing, found his soul mate and his one true love and continued to be devoted to her years after she died. As great as this love was, his writings show that, although he was afraid to trust the promises made by his God, he loved him even more. Now, that is devotion and that is the root of wonderful and beautiful thoughts he put to paper.

Few words of poetry are more quoted and misquoted than John Donne's "the Bell tolls for thee". This volume contains some of the most beautiful verse ever written in the English language. Donne Was a giant and his language while archaic is beautiful and resonates over the centuries.

A wonderful addition to anyone's library.

John Donne, the greatest poet to write in the English language.
John Donne's poetry cries truth from blood.
John Donne writes with blood
Blood is spirit.
The mind works against the spirit.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

I agree with all the positive things said about Donne on this page. Also, this book's great strength is its breadth, including poems, letters, sermons, and other writings of Donne. One gets all the poems and most of his available prose. The only difficulty I had is that all of the poems are presented without any effort to modernize the spelling of words. Often, this distracts from a more perfect enjoyment of Donne's wit, sentiment, conceits and emotions. For those who might find antiquated spelling a distraction, I recommend they find another edition.

Although I care less about his prose, John Donne wrote some very impressive and intuitive so-called love poetry, as well as religious poems that I like. A master of metaphor, he also shows great range of emotions, insight, and passion. My favorite work is his "divine poems" and his "songs and sonnets". Some really beautiful use of language and wise "deep" sentiments. The elegies also have some wonderful lines.

David Rehak
author of "Poems From My Bleeding Heart"

A wonderful collection of poems dealing with the many issues of 'Love'. It touches the heart and brings back many lost memories.

You will laugh, cry, and love this book.

I certainly enjoyed the book!!! I was just touched by God. The author's words healed me and gave me such comfort. I could not put the book down. I called my best friend and read her several of the poems, especially 'My Virginity' and 'Definition of Love'. Those poems blew us away and confirmed things in our spirits that we have wrestled with constantly. So I'm just ecstatic that some one, a sister has put into words what most women feel...I thank the writer for her gift of ministry that has already healed me. We want more copies of this fabulous book, for our nieces, sisters, mothers, and girlfriends who haven't found the words to their pain.

They say, "still waters run deep." Well, this young lady show through her writing that her waters have an immeasurable depth. I had the pleasure of meeting the author of this book at Fort Bragg and to look at her you would never think that such a petite person could have so much power. She is a great orator and an outstanding writer.
1LT LeDay communicates passion in life and love matters quite eloquently. I thought initially that I would treat this book like a devotional, reading one or two daily. I read one poem and had to read the next, and before I knew it I was almost finish. Truly, Consuming Whispers, is captivating as well as thought provoking. It elevates and eases the mind through the use of rhythm and rhyme. I am sure that it would be a blessing to anyone who reads it, it was and continues to be to me.

'Consuming Whispers' wonderfully portrays a sense of wholeness and hope during and after the storms of life. Ms. Leday's words compelled me to self-evaluation and renewal. I admit curiousity caused be to get the book at first, but boy was I in for a big surprise. I had read a number of devotions and always seemed to end up asking where am I in this? How does it relate to me and my issues? Needless to say, I never imagined that this book of poetry would call me out of the depression I was slowing dying in. If you want to be deeply moved this is the vehicle...read this book and travel through time, space, and grace.

LeDay captures the essence of humanity. She exposes the aches and pains of the struggles of this life while emoting healing through each meditation. Her poems take you through the halls of spirituality, sensuality, self-esteem and restoration. "Accept Me For Me" one of her poems, speaks of a strength, a power in 'me' and declares that I am beautiful and complete, and I do not have to compromise who I am for the approval of others. The book itself is empowering and I am a better person because of it. I can hardly wait for her next one.

This book is quite possibly the funniest poetry book I have ever read. J Pops is one of the coolest men to ever walk the earth.
1)God
2)J Pops
3)Chuck Norris

That's how cool he is.

Interesting. . . a long way from Connecticut Avenue to Connecticut State. Not Considerations or the Cockroaches Ball but 3 points none-the-less.

yo i just read Mr. P's book...he is the greatest.... his book is so great.... he is the greatest teacher ever.... he is my idol.... i hope he writes another book real soon

I love this book. It make me feeel warm inside. I want everyone to read this book. I like the poems. I Also like men. And poem about condoms. BOy,that one was great! I liked it becaus it was great. Buy this book

i read this book over and over again (according to my college english class, thats the best way to understand good poetry)...the best way to describe this is a pulp ficktion type of darkness to the humor...even my english teacher loved this book and is going to have me do a report of a poem (:-( thanks mr. P)...anyone who appreciates poetry, true smokey room, depressed gusy w/ long hair complaining about the world poetry...dont buy this book...but anyone who loves real poetry...the kind thats in-your-face, yet, contains a gentle humor in the end...this short book is perfect. i hope mr. P wrights his short novel next...that would be something even stephen king would be proud of...peace mr. P

I volunteer at a nature & wildlife educational museum. Creatures of the Night is the perfect book to read to visiting young children especially during the month of October. The pictures are delightful & inspire discussion in the 3 to 7 yr old age group. (If you order this book be sure it is a Creatures of the Night written for young children not one for adults with the same title but different authors)

Written in rhyme, this colorful picture book will soon become your child's favorite bedtime story. Creatures of the Night will explain the often scary sounds heard at night, shedding light on the creatures that come out to play.

The little "masked bandit" raccoon wears his clever disguise. The cute little field mice run, jump, and play. Perhaps one of the most prominent nighttime noises is the melody chirped by the crickets. They are pictured as happy smiling little critters. The frogs and toads join in the serenade, as the lightening bugs dance along. The coyote calls his friends to come and play. They walk and jump and run. They dance and sing their serenades until the night is done.

Written for children ages three to seven, it is also a book an older child will enjoy reading to a sibling. Creatures of the Night is colorfully illustrated by Rodger B. Wilson, who is the recipient of many awards for graphic design and illustrations. Author, Stephen J. Brooks has written several children's books. He has served as a Federal Agent for over a decade and writes to comfort children.

Has your young child ever wondered about those noises in the night, or about those creatures that come out to play only at night?

Creatures of the Night is a lovely rhyming story about those nocturnal creatures that "Come out to run and play," like "The sly and wily old raccoon,/With a mask around its eyes,/Sneaks about in search of food/in his ever so clever disguise."

Other creatures of the night mentioned in the book include the owl, field mice, crickets, frogs, fireflies, coyote, opossum, and muskrats.

The rhymes are delightful and the illustrations beautiful, with a serene, peaceful quality to them, bringing to life the magic of the night and its creatures. It is the kind of book young children will want to listen to in bed at night many times, if only to look at the lovely images of the animals.

A book that both teaches and stimulates young children's imagination, Creatures of the Night is a keeper, and well-worth its hardcover price.

This is my daughters favorite night time story. She loves the gentle images of the animals and the wonderful rhyming text.

This is an awesome book for your children to read! It's a fun storyline with cute illustrations of nocturnal animals. It's nice to have a book that exposes kids to animals and a fun outdoor environment.

Okita is a poet with a unique style. If you are looking for poetry that is off the main stream, but quite artistic, his work is for you.

When creating the setting for the poem, pieces of the environment are linked to emotions, creating a world of the tangible that creates a better understanding of the intangible. "Love, that busy street" is the environment for "Crossing with the Light". In "Kitchen" the room is really more like a secluded cell for the main female character. "Parachute" takes Dwight and his friend on a playground swing ride of human relations.

And there are many other poems to explore in this collection. Give this one a chance and you won't be disappointed.

i cannot start by simply praising his words. he is beyond that. he has a way of making the ordinary incredible. making you think twice about each second in life. enough for you to cherish the unimaginable. his eyes see, what others cannot. i recommend his words to enrapture you......

Dwight Okita offers us a masterful achievement in Crossing with the Light. This slim volume contains 60 poems that build a cohesive vision in a highly accessible style. The poems are at once loving, bold, and humorous. Most of the poems describe relationships as a subject, but the collection is not about relationships. Okita has something far deeper in mind. The poems are a triumph in combining tone and image. The images are everyday, powerful, and elegant, even delicate.

Quoting poetic elements out of context is a dangerous trade, but I cannot resist a few examples. "Kitchen" tells of a woman whose dreams are dashed in a marriage. The poem opens "Here in this room/ where many women go under...." We see the despair and loss the woman experiences. At one point she silently asks her husband while he is sleeping "What have you done with my husband?" Reminiscent of Nora in Ibsen's Doll's House, but we hear no slamming doors, no screaming arguments, no threats. Okita does not do histrionics. Rather the last lines tell us "When she leaves that room, she leaves for good, / she does not bother to push in the chair." Okita here reminds us that most of life is made up of small things, small things done and left undone.

In "The Life I'm Walking Towards" we read: "I buy green bananas/ and put them on a rattan tray./ I watch them bring yellow into this house/ a brightness./ I wish I could do that,/ whatever the place." "Letter to a Friend Who Left" tells of the unexpected announcement by a shop clerk that a mutual friend has died: "your Iranian friend working behind the counter/ told me you died as he was giving me my change. / I can still hear the quarters fall, / hitting the floor with a metal sound.... //Funny how things slip through your fingers."

There is a zen moment on almost every page. You should not miss this poet.

With his vivid and beautifully haunting images, Dwight Okita shows the reader a new way of seeing the world. "Facing the Mannequin" takes the reader into the world of a department store mannequin. I will never forget the image of the mannequin watching the narrator's shirt move as he breathes.
Also in this collection are the widely anthologized "Note for a Poem on Being Asian American" and "In Response to Executive Order 9066: All Americans of Japanese Descent Must Report to Relocation Centers." Both poems hold up to being read again and again, as do the other poems in this fine collection.

In "Crossing with the Light," readers can see, feel and taste Okita's words. His clean, vivid images evoke many different worlds: the scientific and the romantic, the foreign and the familiar. He delicately links familiar objects to intangible feelings, such as in the following poem, "My Next Life":

A young man coming into his own, you said of me
and in my head I see seedless green grapes
dripping in a glass of icewater on the terrace,
a grand piano I could press my fingers against
when I am lonely. And big parties:
celery stalks swirling on glass platters,
staircases to descend from--everyone
I have ever loved climbing down them:
forgiven, delivered. (Okita 3)

These concrete images of "seedless green grapes/dripping in a glass of icewater" and "celery stalks swirling on glass platters" subtly express the abstract feelings of maturity, loneliness, and love.

A wonderful first book of poetry, hopefully to be followed by many more.

Love can be found in our happiness, sadness and our desires. In D & D POETRY the author puts his poetic skills, of soulful love, to pages of honest and emotional prose. With 15 thoughtful expressions of love, he tantalizes readers with poems to edify the deepness of one's heart when they find themselves in love. The poems cover love that is unrequited, love so deep nothing else matters, love gone astray and sensual love.

Alexander Smith has put his honest emotions regarding, love, into some in-depth poetry. The prose at times is lyrical and features a nice cadence throughout the collection. I enjoyed the different ways love is expressed because I could feel the pain, joy, sadness and desire in most of the poems. Although not all the poems reached my emotional depths, it is a fine compilation. D & D POETRY extols the multifaceted sentiments of love, being loved and love lost.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I've read the reviews on this book at Barnes and Nobles, but the place to buy it is here at Amazon. I put this book on my coffee table and it always sparks a discussion. Very well done! I truly loved it!

My girlfriend introduced me to this book over the past weekend. I still haven't been able to part with it. It's nice to know that men are capable feeling to this level. This is a must read!

I borrowed a copy from a friend and then immediately went out and purchased this book. Every man in this world, regardless of his ethnic background, has been here before in his life. If women wonder how we feel, think, or love, this is a must read. The author really hits the nail on the head. Awesome!!

This book renewed my faith in MEN IN LOVE. I couldn't put it down. Whenever you need confirmation that men actually feel emotions not related to sports or their jobs. Read this book!!!!! Alex definitely says what women always wondered and doubted about men. They do have feelings and emotions. I am not a poetry reader but these really spoke to me.

I bought my first copy of this book at a book fair in New York. The lyrical text of the introduction invites you into the delightful world of dandelions and excites your curiosity about the plant. I bought 3 as gifts for cherished friends who adore the book.

A delightful book! For the first time in years I enjoyed a dandelion salad this spring--inspired by these recipes. I'm looking forward to attempting dandelion wine later, my only problem being which wine recipe to choose. Maybe I'll try a couple! The drawings are enchanting. Besides being useful the book has a nostalgic flavor bringing back memories of my childhood.

I grew up in Israel and altho we had dandelions I never paid them any mind. A friend gave me this book and it's changed my mind about this common plant. Who would have thought there was so much to be desired about one of our wildest weeds? As soon as it stops raining I'm going out to gather some fresh leaves and make a salad using a recipe from the book. The poems are great, too. I am amazed at what is in this book.

Joanne Henry has an enchanting writing style. She will bewitch all who read Dandelions Are Free easily and completely. One will NEVER regard the dandelion in the same way again. Joanne is a gifted writer and researcher, a gentle soul whose own tender feelings about the plant are obvious on every page. Yet her writing also invites the the reader to share in the dandelion's special magic. I feel privileged to have my own work wrapped within hers.

This book is a wonderful array of recipes, stories from people's experiences with that awesome little yellow flower that most people would like to obliterate, and whispy illustrations done by an extremely talented artist. Joanne has such a wonderful flow to her writing and you begin to love that dreaded yellow flower that pops up in our yards. I started the book and couldn't put it down. I wish everyone could read it and enjoy the many aspects of this lovely plant.

an amazing look at the reality of life as illustrated by one who tells it like it is without shame

classic bukowski
long narrative thoughtful poetry carefully planned and executed regardless of how he may have described his own techniqe here
the ending short poem is classic

If you've read Bukowksi, then you know how he feels about the "critics". I, for one, find that is later work after 77 or so is his best. This book and "you get so along at times...." are my 2 absolute favorites. You should own this one!

The biggest gripe I have against Charles Bukowski is that he made it look so easy. He's responsible for spawning thousands of second-rate immitators. I am no exception. Because I've spent some time in San Pedro, this collection in particular resonates with me since many of the poems come out of his stay in that harbor city. It's all here: women, booze, puking, classical music, barking dogs, war, annoying groupies, disasterous book readings, etc. If you were to choose one Bukowski book of poetry to read, this is it.

The poems in this volume consistently present Bukowski as I've come to see him -- perceptive, self-deprecating, and frequently and unexpectedly funny as hell. There isn't really a bad or wasted line in here. This opinion is based on my knowledge of Bukowski derived from having read maybe 90 percent of his books. If you can have only one volume of Bukowski poetry, this should be it, in good part because it includes musings from his East Hollywood period and the affluent San Pedro days. In this regard, You may notice that Bukowski almost never mentions money or personal finances in his earlier work, but in San Pedro, mortgages, tax accountants, and the price of automobiles enter his view.

In Dark Card, Rebecca Foust gives the reader a lesson in courage -- the courage of a mother raising a child with a disability, the courage to face the reality this forces upon her, the courage to probe the feelings deep within, and the courage to put those feelings into unforgettable words. This is the open heart of a mother, with all the pain and joy exposed. Read it with respect. It will move you.

Raw and beautiful, this collection captures the complexities of motherhood in a way few writers ever have. There isn't a mother alive who -- if she is honest -- won't recognize herself on these pages. The cover art, with its dark haunting outline, makes clear that the child inside this book is not just Foust's. He belongs to all of us.

Rebecca Foust's has written a stirring book of poetry describing the mixed blessings of raising a son with Aspergers Syndrome. Dark Card is a must read for all families dealing with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and for those who seek a better understanding of what it is like to live with them.

Dark Card is a beautifully crafted and insightful book. It carries the reader to the deepest waters of the joys, fears and sorrows of motherhood. Rebecca Foust's poems touch the anquish of raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome with exquisite understanding. At the same time, she has written a collection of poems which resonate with all who have loved a child. One does not have to parent a special needs child to appreciate the beauty of these poems. They touch our loves, our fears, our hopes, our deepest yearnings. These poems herald the arrival in the world of poetry of a wise and unique voice.

This book is a must read for all parents. You can grow and learn through every written word while reading the poems in this book. When "mothering/parenting" gets you down, read one of these poems for the best "pick up" of your day. The poems and the real life experiences come alive as you read and re-read them. Each poem is thought provoking and will warm the deepest corners of your heart.

I just finished the book and I don't know what to say. Of course, I cried. Suzanne did a marvelous job of telling the story and I felt privileged to get to know Myrta and Carey and witness their journey through their illnesses. The compassion and grace they all displayed in such extreme circumstances was astounding. They all had such strength and as things unfolded I could hardly believe some of the events. When it sounded like things could not get any worse they did - over and over again. When they got their lawn mower stolen I was furious! The replaying of some of the events was humorous at times but not "ha, ha" funny. The author's personality showed through and I felt such compasssion for her and her loved ones.

They say that anything that doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Suzy must be a very strong woman. This book tells the story of Suzy coping with her mother's and her daughter's illnesses. It is a very sad story, but it is well written and very moving. I sat down and read it at one sitting. I have great respect for someone that can handle such a tough situation with such grace. I would definitely recommend this book.

This is one of the best books I've read in quite some time. The author truly brings you up-close to the trials and tribulations of her mother and daughter. The book keeps you fully engrossed in the situations and makes you wonder how Ms. Tilden-Mortimer managed to get through life with all the heartbreak. While the book deals with sorrow, it is written in such a way that it's not very heavy-handed and even humorous at times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been a caregiver and to those who may have to be one in the future. Kudos for a great book after a hard life. I hope Ms. Tilden-Mortimer's future proves to be full of good times to make up for the past.

I received this book from a friend at work. My first intention was to "skim" the book, but as I got through the first page, I became engrossed in the author's story. I couldn't close the book, until I read every word and looked at every picture.

I've never been somebody's caregiver, and I didn't think I would be able to relate to Suzanne's story, but I did. By the time I completed the book, I felt like I knew Suzanne, Myrta and Carey, and I could sympathize with her situation, taking care of her mother Myrta, who was suffering from dimentia, and her beloved-daughter Carey, who's life was cut too short by Multiple Sclerosis.

This memoir goes beyond the story of one caregiver. It is the story of one very tough woman, who, although struggling, gathered the strength and power to weather the storm. It's the story of a woman who gave everything she had to someone else.

Another great thing about the book, is the way in which its written. Suzanne Tilden-Mortimer makes use of humor in her memoir, so the reader never feels ackward. It's never too intense.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone. And my answer to the question posed in the title, Do I Know You?, is...yes, I do. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Suzanne Tilden-Mortimer, Myrta and Carey.

I've known Suzy since grade school. I spent many hours at her house with Myrta and also met her daughter as a small child. We lost touch for many years, and I was so delighted to rediscover her in 2000 - after all her troubles. She mentioned she was going to write a book about her time caring for her mother and daughter and I couldn't wait for it to come out.

I received my advance order as soon as it was published. I read it through in one sitting and my admiration for this remarkable woman grew tenfold. Her story is told with compassion and humor. Even though the subject matter is very sad, I found it very inspiring. It's the story of one woman's survival through monumental tragedy.

My only question is "Suzy, how did you do it?"