With courage, I responded to the stirring in my spirit,
Embarking on a journey to reunite with my exiled self.
With anticipation, I welcomed her in,
To the house of peace where healing flourishes.
With trembling hands, I offered warmth to her frigid remnants,
I guided her to a seat, attending to her neglected needs.
I washed away the weight of the past, allowing healing to thaw and nourish,
And love to make her whole again.
Reminding her of intrinsic worth, tears cascading down,
Her walls came crumbling, releasing the anguish within.
Whispering words of acceptance, I greeted her with love,
You’re not a victim of your past, but a warrior poised to reclaim your rightful place.
Side by side, we traversed the intricate depths of our shared experiences,
Forging an unbreakable bond impervious to external forces,
In this overdue reunion, my exiled self was finally home,
A home nestled within my heart.
Welcome home, I uttered with a hug so warm,
With a hug so warm, even the earth could thaw from its frost.
"The Rose that Blooms in the Night" by Allie Michelle was thoroughly enjoyed by yours truly. This collection of poetry is simple yet so beautiful, with each page offering a delightful experience. What made it even more special was the surprise meditation session included in the audio version of the book. It transformed the reading into a prayer-like experience, shining a light on our inner selves. I found myself reflecting deeply while reading this book and cherished every moment. A quote that really resonated with me was, "It is beautiful to be free-spirited, but do not make the mistake of becoming attached to being nonattached." Overall, a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
"Honey and Spice" by Bolu Babalola is a captivating book filled with wit and a variety of themes, including romance, friendship, breakups, hope, and healing. Babalola presents the tight-knit Nigerian-British community as the spotlight of the story, adding a unique cultural aspect to the narrative.
The exploration of platonic friendship breakups is an intriguing aspect of the book, sometimes proving more traumatic than romantic ones. This element brings depth and authenticity to the story.
The book's humor is another notable quality. It's instilled with delightful wit that consistently brings laughter.
Babalola's writing style is elegant and charming. However, it's worth noting that the lush language might not appeal to all readers, particularly older ones, so reader discretion is advised.
The enemies-to-lovers plotline didn't resonate with me, but it didn't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In summary, "Honey and Spice" is a charming and witty diversion for readers looking for variety in their reading list. It serves as a delightful break from more weighty reads.
The audio rendition of "American Sunrise" by Joy Harjo truly immersed me in her compassionate and nuanced voice. This collection of poems, even those seemingly unrelated to my own experiences, exhibited a profound depth. One particular poem that deeply resonated with me was "Washing My Mother's Body," which evoked memories of caring for my grandmother. At the time, I didn't fully grasp the significance of those moments, but now I recognize what an honor it was for me. The line "I straighten the blanket over her, to keep her warm for dignity" from this poem will remain etched in my memory forever. Though unable to be there during my grandmother's final moments or at her funeral, this poem brought me comfort and when nostalgia comes knocking on the door of remembrance, I will reopen the pages and read it again. I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating anthology of poems.
JOY HARJO
I debated whether to choose "Catching The Light" as my book of the month or explore poetry further for this month's selection. However, this collection has reignited my passion for poetry. It is a valuable companion for any poet. Joy Harjo explores various themes, but her reflection on finding inspiration in writing poetry deeply resonated with me. Given her consistent excellence in previous literary achievements, it's no surprise that Harjo's lyrical style shines through in this remarkable work.
In these pages, her experiences with darkness greatly influenced her craft. Poetry is a bridge to survival, as Harjo eloquently states, "Every poem is a prayer, a supplication in the cacophony of humanity." She emphasizes that despite the overwhelming sea of words, we remain inundated by their power. This collection reminds us why poetry is significant in our lives and reaffirms its ability to transcend barriers and connect us all. Words can divide and destroy, but they also carry "made of ancient songs of coming together that lift us over and through to beauty." Poetry can "speak to the truth of an age." In conclusion, this book is a source of wisdom, a guiding light in dark places, a piece of history, an experience, an unveiling of a veil that transforms into existence, and it is a must-read for all.
Crazy Brave - Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo, the Poet Laureate of the United States, holds a special place in my heart with her works. As always, I prefer listening to the audio version of Crazy Brave before delving into the physical book itself, as I do with all of Harjo's works. Once again, her compassionate voice adds depth and richness to the reading experience, regardless of the narratives being portrayed.Crazy Brave is a profoundly moving memoir that embodies vulnerability, resilience, and courage. Through Harjo's eloquent storytelling, we embark on a journey from her early years to her tumultuous twenties. Along this path, she recounts the harrowing abuse endured by herself, her mother, and siblings at the hands of her stepfather. These experiences of pain and survival deeply touched me as a reader. Moreover, Harjo provides profound insights into generational trauma, offering newfound awareness and understanding to readers like myself.What struck me most about this memoir was Harjo's beautiful articulation of the transformative power of intuition in shaping one's life path. Having experienced and witnessed its profound impact myself, this aspect resonated deeply within me. Through sharing her own encounters with intuitive "knowing," Harjo reinforces the importance of trusting our instincts and listening to our inner voice.Crazy Brave not only showcases Joy Harjo's extraordinary literary talent but also reveals her profound empathy for the struggles and triumphs of humanity. Throughout every page, her understanding of heartbreak is evident, offering a unique sense of compassion in her works. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Crazy Brave:
In summary, Crazy Brave can be described as an exploration of ancestral connections, the influence of spiritual guidance, accounts of grief and empowerment, resilience in pursuing personal growth through art and poetry, as well as the transformative power of healing. I believe Harjo found solace in her own words by addressing her own depths of sadness through poetry.
Poets' Corner - John Lithgow
"The Poets' Corner" by John Lithgow is a meticulously curated collection of poems that offers readers a cohesive and enriching reading experience. I deeply appreciated the way each poem was given the recognition it deserved, accompanied by insightful historical and biographical information about the poet. The inclusion of select excerpts from each poet's works further underscored their significance and justified their place in this extraordinary anthology.
Lithgow's unique storytelling approach and personal connection to poetry added an extra layer of depth to this book, making it truly remarkable. However, what stood out to me the most was the exploration of each poet's background, particularly that of "William Carlos Williams," who ingeniously balanced his roles as both doctor and poet. This deviation from the conventional paths taken by many poets in academia and law showcased a refreshing perspective.
By featuring such a diverse range of poets, "The Poet's Corner" succeeds in making poetry accessible and relatable to all readers. It is an outstanding piece of literature that can be enjoyed both in its written form as well as through its captivating audio rendition."I could hear my abandoned dreams making a racket in my soul."
In summary, Crazy Brave can be described as an exploration of ancestral connections, the influence of spiritual guidance, accounts of grief and empowerment, resilience in pursuing personal growth through art and poetry, as well as the transformative power of healing. I believe Harjo found solace in her own words by addressing her own depths of sadness through poetry.
The poetry anthology "Beneath the Longing" by Chastity is an exceptional compilation that adeptly portrays pain in every sense of simplicity, vulnerability, and emotional clarity. Reading this book gave me a profound sense of validation in some cases. The verse "So today I observed love from a distance and hope that one day soon I'll be ready and able to embrace her" struck a deep chord with me as well. With its somber tone, this collection of poetry magnificently captures the reality of yearning for love and seeking validation from sources that often fail to acknowledge or genuinely validate us. appreciated the way each poem was given the recognition it deserved, accompanied by insightful historical and biographical information about the poet. The inclusion of select excerpts from each poet's works further underscored their significance and justified their place in this extraordinary anthology.
Lithgow's unique storytelling approach and personal connection to poetry added an extra layer of depth to this book, making it truly remarkable. However, what stood out to me the most was the exploration of each poet's background, particularly that of "William Carlos Williams," who ingeniously balanced his roles as both doctor and poet. This deviation from the conventional paths taken by many poets in academia and law showcased a refreshing perspective.
By featuring such a diverse range of poets, "The Poet's Corner" succeeds in making poetry accessible and relatable to all readers. It is an outstanding piece of literature that can be enjoyed both in its written form as well as through its captivating audio rendition."I could hear my abandoned dreams making a racket in my soul."
In summary, Crazy Brave can be described as an exploration of ancestral connections, the influence of spiritual guidance, accounts of grief and empowerment, resilience in pursuing personal growth through art and poetry, as well as the transformative power of healing. I believe Harjo found solace in her own words by addressing her own depths of sadness through poetry.
Button Poetry is a comprehensive platform that fulfills all the requirements for production, distribution, promotion, and fundraising within the performance poetry industry. They maintain a strong commitment to inclusivity by highlighting a wide range of voices and expanding the reach of poetry to a diverse audience.
Founded in 1970, Poet & Writers is a reputable nonprofit organization committed to assisting and empowering creative writers. Their primary objective is to provide valuable avenues for professional growth to poets and writers.
Little Infinite is an online poetry platform that seamlessly integrates classic, modern, and dynamic forms of poetry in one location. Alongside providing invaluable resources on the intricacies of poetic expression, they also offer individuals an exceptional chance to engage in captivating poetry writing contests.
Poetry Daily is a curated collection of contemporary poetry that showcases recently published works from a variety of sources, including books, magazines, and journals.
Urban Word is a platform that promotes the voices of young people through various avenues such as literacy, self-expression, civic engagement, and leadership. They offer free creative writing workshops, college preparatory sessions, and performance opportunities to empower youth and nurture their talents.
The Poetry Foundation was founded in 2003 to acknowledge the influential impact of words and honoring poets.
Maya Angelou
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