ComputerHunter.org |
|
|
|||
|
 |
Review Of Stephen B. Wileys First Book Of Poetry: HERO ISLAND
Poet Stephen B. Wiley's first book of poetry, Hero Island, reflects tender snapshots and reminiscent overviews of various stages of his life as a youngster working on a farm in New Jersey, summer vacations spent with his family in Northern Vermont, and his positive stance on life. His elegant command of language magically explores and brings to life such varied topics as the shovel we are reluctant to part with, city living, opening up of the summer cottage, shucking corn, Albert Einstein and world federation, and the more weighty experience as the death of a loved one. All are composed with a great deal of introspection and with a sincere palette of words that are easily accessible to even the inexperienced poetry reader. Particularly touching and one that struck home is "Going," where Wiley portrays the passing away of his ninety-four year old father-something I personally just recently experienced with the passing away of my father-in-law. The ending of the poem's unadorned spoken language poignantly describes his inner feelings: "I knew father wouldn't die Above all, Wiley's strength lies in that his poems are characterized by a sense of wonder and nostalgia with which he imbues his reflections, that is neither sad nor frustrated, as is often the case with so many poets. Moreover, descriptions are effortless and fresh, reverberating with vitality, as exemplified in the first two stanzas of his poem To My Hands: "Yes, yes I do admire your solo work And I'm proud that things are named for you Quite noteworthy is Wiley's remarkable skill with language, perhaps attributable to his legal training. When I interviewed him and asked him how had this affected his poetry writing, his succinct reply was "words are the subject matter of law ? spoken words and written words ? and precision of language is most important. Poetry draws on the same strengths." That just about sums up the poetic style of Stephen B. Wiley. Although, I must admit that I initially opened Wiley's book of poems with some trepidation, my only grumble, when reaching the last poem, was that I did not have enough of it. It is my hope that Hero Island only marks the inauguration of a long and creative career. Norm Goldman is the Editor of the Book Reviewing site http://www.bookpleasures.com and the travel site, http://www.sketchandtravel.com Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, they meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations.
Google News - Top Stories
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Our Home Our home was warm in the shade of the trees or when the sun was not upon it. RISK Do not be afraid to shine. This world needs what you have to give. Open up the areas of your being; expose them to yourself - to others. You are valuable. You are unique. You have much to give. Do not be afraid to give it. Catherine Daly reviews Antidotes for an Alibi Amy King Antidotes for an Alibi BlazeVox Books ISBN 0-9759227-5-0 2005 A Different Place... I wish we had met 20 years ago... A different place, a different time when I actually had a chance for you to be mine... Shadows of the Andes; Ollantayambo; and Cesar Vallejo [Poems in English and Spanish] 1) Shadows of the Andes [or: Song to the Andes] Asha of Darfur [A poem with a commentary by the author] Asha of Darfur Lord Byrons She Walks in Beauty Lord Byron's opening couplet to "She Walks In Beauty" is among the most memorable and most quoted lines in romantic poetry. The opening lines are effortless, graceful, and beautiful, a fitting match for his poem about a woman who possesses effortless grace and beauty. The Plane from Iquitos [1959-Part One] Iquitos & the Amazon Part One You Lost Your Last Gamble and Me I will never think twice nor will I roll the dice When it comes to my life I will take my Grannio's advice Its What She Didnt Say When I hear your voice inside my head it makes me think of you every single day as I fight back tears of sadness and wonder if you're okay Write Your Way to Fame Have you ever thought about how nice it would be to see your poem discussed in the New York Times? Think you have what it takes to become a famous poet? Well the unfortunate truth is that no one has what it takes to be a famous poet. Here's a little exercise: Name the most famous contemporary poet you can think of. Louise Gluck, Frank Bidart, and Maya Angelou, are all well known poets, but did you even know who all of them were? Exalted Poetry; Two poem [and commentary] Bells for Belphegor!... The Exit Poems [Iron and Fire & No Heroes] The Exit Poems [And Socrates] Contract of Death [Now: in SPANISH and English] Contract of Death Commuting Hell! It's dark, it's cold, its' just six thirty, How to Write Bad Poetry "All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling."--Oscar Wilde Storm Rising along the Lima Coast Storm Rising along the Lima Coast [Summer of 2002] Famous Poets Quotations - Top 30 Poetry Quotations by Famous Poets Burning Autumn Leaves [a poem in Spanish and English] Burning Autumn Leaves [1950s in St. Paul, Minnesota] Three Poems: The Monkey Man of Lima, Plus Two More What Hides behind the Minute?
|
|
|
|
|
