A review of Into the Grey

Some poets you can identify by the first couple of lines if there is something evident worth reading. A word, a thought, an expression, an image… these reverberate emotions familiar and enjoyable to the reader. 

Brandon Adam Haven is one of those poets. 

He remains a distinctive drafter of demonstrating broad spectrums of human feelings, and the reactions to the often wicked world around him.

                                                         —

Into The Grey is as evocative as its title implies, the haunting cover a picture of an old rustic church. The particular “grey” Haven is referring to is not the grey of the church building, or grey skies… It is the grey of etchings in a tombstone which he refers to in the poem Into The Grey,… the etchings of his own name! This is where the author particularly and instantly hooked me with his vivid introspections.

Wheelsong Books is known for its distinctive flavors of poets, each one vastly different than the other in so many ways. Publisher Steve Wheeler once referred to this variation of styles to me as “Apples to oranges.” Yet, in his wry humor and impeccable talent for turning a phrase, he is also referring to the vivacious fruit of the Wheelsong authors. 

Brandon Adam Haven displays the rich sweetness of this fruit in his book, as well as the bitter taste of doubt and despair.

Reflections of joy reverberate sweetly throughout poems such as O’er the Hills which lightly begins “O’er the hills of the jolly green Deep into its calm gentle pasture, Doth a black mountain overlooking foreseen, As all is merry, under the sweet evergreen”.  

This is also subtly well crafted in A Joyous Life, “I shudder within to shed my cracked skin For beauty is hidden in plain sight And so are the days jubilee What a joyous life.”

Many struggles are addressed as well. Themes of helplessness, although melancholy on the surface, take a turn at redemption, if not validation,… for life itself. Quietly addressing a friend’s slow demise is seen in Choosing Death, “Please let me help you to climb from this dread… So your days may brighten instead of choosing death.” 

Childhood abuse, depression, addiction, and homelessness are some of the topics the author explores and bounces unsuspected reactions off… like this line from The Quiet Woods Of Winter, “Why was it me, who had to suffer all of this instead of the mean, judgmental and happy other kids?”

Love sweet love does not escape the authors notice. His is a discreet creative rendering, embellishing romantic notions such as this one in his poem Love, “She is my angel, and my greatest wish, Is to fulfil her life everyday with abundant and lasting bliss. The sweetest taste is from her precious lips, and I will forever treasure her every kiss”

                                                       —

Brandon lives in Rockford Illinois, not too far from where my mother’s hometown is. I recently communicated a number of things with him. I found he is a most humble and sincere young man. His big heart and sense of empathy is immediately obvious. A musician and poet, he exudes the kind of soul that an introspective poet of his caliber should possess, and does so in abundance.

His book is one of hard knocks and lessons learned from a vivid window of learned experience. Many poems dive deep within the depths of despair with a voice that is not only desperate, but also almost lost.  This is illustrated in Silence, “In silence I reside alone weeping this snowbound night staring out my window to the snowy white reflecting how empty are the dreams of life.”

The Outcast portrays his outsider character so well when he cries out “Well away from the laughter and the past. For I am the vermin of the world, I am the outcast.”

There is an effervescence about his dismay that is not only relatable, but alluring. It is through a clever wordplay that he is able to transcend the maudlin into something tangible and useful for all of us. This is encapsulated by these weighted phrases from One Day, “Chastised by mirth ascended at his core. The hour of grim hovers near, We stand together to wipe each other’s tears.”

                                                       —

Into The Grey stands on its own as a poignant perspective on what it’s like to stand on the edge and be able to jump back before it’s too late. The wisdom of knowing better is so much more evident once the wound has been set in so deep. One does not forget. In that very vein, once you read Haven’s brilliant poems, you will not forget this book.

Matt Elmore

You can purchase your copy of Brandon Adam Haven's Into the Grey through Amazon - all links are here on the Wheelsong Books website.

Villanelle

A villanelle is a French verse form consisting of five three-line stanzas (known as tercets) and a final, four line stanza (known as a quatrain). 

The first and third lines of the first stanza are repeated alternately in the following stanzas. 

One of the most famous villanelles was written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Look at the format. and pay attention to the repeated lines:

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieve it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

It's a very clever poem, written about the passing of the poet's father. You might feel inspired to write a villanelle yourself. It's certainly a challenge if you've never tried before, but have a go ... and you may surprise yourself. Ultimately, you will have learnt a new poetry skill and you never know where it may lead you!

Please feel free to post your villanelle poems in the comments box below and I will comment on them.

Steve Wheeler

Image from Pxfuel used under a Creative Commons licence

Where are all the young poets?!

Where are all the young poets?!

In my duties as poetry moderator for Invisible Poets and Wheelsong Poets Groups, I have not seen many young poets posting poetry, and this disturbs me. I see them as members, but many remain too shy to either comment or post their youthful songs.

This troubles me, because someone has to carry the torch. However, it also invigorates me at the same time, because I believe they are READING the poems in the groups. Silently taking it all in. 

As a former teacher, I always found that the quietest students often turned out to be the brightest. Why? Because they were LISTENING.

Poetry knows no age, no race, no class, no restrictions! Young children continue to be fascinated by Doctor Seuss, read the works of the classics in English classes, and even beyond in college. 

Social media continues to work its magic as well. These youthful souls are taking in the very poems everyday poets write in poetry groups. And that encourages me…

                                    —

In Worcester Massachusetts, 19 year old Adael Mejia is working his performance poetry magic in a hotel lobby wearing a crazy coat of recycled colors past his knees in a ski mask… now there’s some performance poetry for you!! 

“If it wasn’t for social media – if it wasn’t for being able to post myself and people being able to find out about me through their phone – I would be performing to my mom still,” Mr. Mejia says.

Now this is one young man after my own heart. He is leading the charge for us all. Ever heard of him? Neither have I! Until now… although there are others much more fortunate to HAVE been heard…

                                     —

Twenty four year old Amanda Gorman read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the Untied States presidential inauguration for Joe Biden. Not bad for a young poetess! 

In addition to that, she was also the first U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, not to mention she read one of her poems at the NFL Super Bowl in 2021. She rocked it too! So talented… She appeared in Time magazine, … interviewed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Her poems concern struggles with identity and historic culture in our modern society, and cultivate a positive unity that needs to be heard by our youth TODAY.

Ms. Gorman’s poem also caused some scandal this past May when it was banned from libraries under middle school age in Florida for alleged indirect hate speech and child indoctrination. How far we have to go…! 

Yet, if not for Ms. Gorman’s poem, this would not even be in a discussion about cultural equity. Bravo, Amanda!

                                     —

Youthful poet Cindy Juyoung Ok was recently named winner of the 2023 Yale Younger Poets Prize, a prestigious honor that aims to bring greater public attention to America’s most promising new poets. Hers is a voice of quirky observations, amazing wordplay, and generally growing as an individual in a massive opinion-oriented society. Another youthful soul yearning to be heard…

                                     —

It is amazing to think what kinds of poems are out there brewing in the minds of our planets youth… perspectives I could never hope to have because I come from a different generation. How many generations had their own distinctive poetic voice can you think of? This one does as well, and then some.

Let me know if there are any young poets out there that you can think of! Trust me… they are out there… We all remain young at heart! Let’s remember that vulnerable yet invincible feeling and encourage a young poet today…

Matt Elmore

References:

https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2022/0603/New-voices-in-poetry-Thank-lockdowns-and-social-media

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/amanda-gorman-on-another-stage-brings-poetry-to-super-bowl-amanda-gorman-country-poetry-spotlight-one-b1798951.html

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/24/1177877340/amanda-gorman-poem-restricted-miami-school

https://news.yale.edu/2023/02/23/artist-impulse-shake-things-wins-2023-yale-younger-poets-prize

Image from Rawpixel Creative Commons License  

The healing power of poetry

As both a poet and psychologist, I'm fascinated by the healing power of poetry.

 
Reading and writing poetry can make all the difference, particularly in the context of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. 

Don't take my word for it. There are several psychological research studies that show clear evidence for the healing power of the written and spoken word. 

In 2021 a study conducted by Delamerced, Panicker, Monteiro and Chung used poetry as an intervention in the care of hospitalised children. The study showed that the poetry was therapeutic, and eased the children's anxiety and stress.  

Research in 2013 studied poetry that was used as therapy for abused and traumatised adolescents. Conducted by Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, the study revealed that poetry was significantly effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Reading or listening to poetry helped the adolescents to address and manage their symptoms. 

Finally, there have been several studies that have highlighted the positive effects of poetry in the care of adults who have been counsellors of domestic violence victims and their consequent post traumatic stress. A 2008 study by Boone and Castillo showed that people who are exposed to traumatic experiences and develop PTSD can read poetry to reduce their symptoms and destress their minds.

Poetry really is good for your mental health and well-being!

Steve Wheeler

Image from Pickpic using a Creative Commons licence

References

Boone and Castillo (2008) The use of poetry therapy with domestic violence counselors experiencing secondary post traumatic stress disorder symptoms, Journal of Poetry Therapy, 21 (1) 3-14.

Brillantes-Evalngelista (2013) An evaluation of visual arts and poetry as therapeutic interventions with abused adolescents, The Arts in Psychotherapy, 40 (1), 71-84.

Delamerced et al (2021) Effects of poetry intervention on emotional wellbeing in hospitalized pediatric patients, Hospital Pediatrics, 11 (3), 263-269.

A Modern Poetry Renaissance

I’ve always approached this blog in a very direct business oriented manner. Strictly appropriated to approaching poetry… the application of it, the nuts and bolts of it, the surface beauty of it all.

But this article is not about that. It is about THE LOVE OF POETRY… underneath the skin of it all… to the heart.

Anyone who has been in love knows one true aspect of it is about give and take. It’s about sacrifice. Time spent with the one you love. The sincerity of it… affection, sharing , and truth. The pure love. The good stuff.

This also applies to loving something other than a person. You think about it, spend time on it. LOVE IT.

Steve’s last blog about generosity in commenting on poetry other than one’s own hit a note with me in this regard. About not only writing poetry, but reading it as well. Beyond that… in encouraging the work of other poets. Not just giving lip service or gilding the lily as it were. But really reading beyond the words to the essence of the works.

The good stuff.

                                     —

When Steve approached me to become involved in all the Wheelsong projects, I was instantly drawn to the gravity of his vision. The mission statement of Wheelsong simply encompasses two things:

1.) To utilize the divine gift of poetic skill to make this a better world by giving back in some way bigger than we possess as individuals. To pool our talents together into a beautiful purpose to benefit the unfortunate. The brilliancy of the past and future Wheelsong Anthologies for Save The Children drives that. It’s at the CORE of our direction.

2.)To explore the poetry realms as we know them, on social media and beyond. To invite those wordsmiths, emotion evokers, and profound surfers of human spirit to be a part of our poetry community through participating in and drawing poetry power from our collective collaborations. To build a roster of international poets of renown with a similar vision.

Very simple mission. It is what makes me do what I do in my humble role in promoting the Wheelsong brand. It’s simple. We are a family. And we are growing.

                                     —

Today I helped my brother move my niece’s things out of her apartment in the city back to the country. She just graduated college. It was an endeavor! I injured my foot terribly last week, nearly critical. It was an effort. That’s for sure. But I did it anyway… and sang goofy songs with a smile on my face as we moved and had fun doing it, despite the hard work (and pain for me). 

Why did I do this? I’m hurting now, as I FINALLY got home. Why?! The same reason I’m writing this after reading Steve’s blog. BECAUSE I LOVE MY FAMILY. 

                                     —                                     

I don’t just read poems and comment as a moderator on Invisible Poets and Wheelsong Poetry on Facebook. I reach out to members on messenger. I try to read their works and mentor them. I even support them with non poetry issues. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE MY FAMILY.

I don’t just write this blog for some vanity protect. I do so in the hopes that one… just ONE poet might find something of interest and become inspired.

I believe we are approaching a modern poetry renaissance, brought about by a social media that is not being utilized to its full potential. This is why i do what I do. I spend most of my spare time reading and trying to comment on so many poems. Sometimes I ask myself… why am I doing this?!

BECAUSE I LOVE POETRY. And I LOVE MY POET FAMILY. 

Thus… I will continue to do what I do… which is encouraging, reading, and engaging with all the poets that are on my radar. ALL the poets, new and old favorites. I keep my palette open for new colors, and I thrive on it.

Steve’s blog said more about being generous and sharing with each other than I could ever say. However, it was THE BEST BLOG I HAVE EVER READ. Why? Because it absolutely reflects everything I feel about being a poet and being part of this poet community.

Let’s be make this poetry renaissance happen by uniting! Together… as a family. 

I do hope you feel the same reader! Please FEEL FREE TO COMMENT below and let me know how you feel about this topic. 

When I say I’d LOVE to hear from you… now you know why…

Matt Elmore

Be generous

Warning. The following article might be tough reading or controversial and may offend some. If you wish to come back at me on any of what follows, please do so, but please do so in a polite and civil manner. I'm more likely to respond to you if you do. If you fall out with me because of this, that will be unfortunate and it won't be what I intend, but that's life.

Here's my observation: Most poets prefer to read their own poetry to that of others. Many are inward-looking and can be self-centred. I know, because in the past I behaved like this myself. That was ... until I discovered an important truth. But I will elaborate on that a little later.

I have seen plenty of evidence of selfish behaviour on the Facebook groups I have managed in the past two years. Poets are generally very willing to post their own work, but pay scant attention to the work of others. They enjoy gaining feedback, but are less willing to make the effort to read and comment on other poets' work. There are some that never ever comment on the poetry of others. This means that many poets are ignored, failing to attract any comments or likes. They become discouraged and despondent. Because all poets also crave attention. It's a vicious and ironic circle. The very self-centredness of poets ends up isolating them from their own communities. 

Let me tell you how the Facebook group algorithm works: The more active a poet is in reading, reacting and commenting on the work of other poets in a group, the more their posts become visible on the timelines of those others. The obverse is also true. If all you do is post, post, post, and pay no attention to the work of others, then you are likely to become isolated and ignored, because, literally, no-one will be able to see your work. On Facebook poetry groups, it's all about the connection.

Here's the important truth: A great benefit of reading the work of other poets is that you gain better insight into diverse themes, styles, genres, techniques, rhyme schemes, formats and alternative approaches. It's a fact that ever since I began to read the work of other poets avidly, I have learnt an incredible amount about how to improve my own work, and I have discovered a treasure trove of different formats and approaches to writing poetry. 

And I'm still learning! I don't go a day now without reading at least 40-50 poems from other writers. It gives me inspiration too. Sometimes a line or a phrase will set my thoughts running, and before I know it, I have written a poem that I would never have even thought of, it I hadn't read that particular piece by another poet. 

So please... when you next venture into one of your Facebook poetry groups, don't just do so to post your own work. Be generous. Do take some time to read, react and comment on the work of others in your group. Give freely of your time and efforts. Others will appreciate the time and care you take giving your feedback. It is sure to pay off for you in the long term. And it will mean that you truly become an active member of the community.

Steve Wheeler

Image from Pixabay used under a Creative Commons Licence

Beyond the Pyre

I have known Imelda Garcia for almost two years, but we have never met in person (She lives in Texas and I'm in Plymouth, UK). We have worked together as Admin and moderators on a number of Facebook poetry groups and I have grown to know her and her poetry from a distance. She's been through a lot in her life and this book epitomises many of her trials, joys and challenges. It is a book suffused with optimism and uplifting verses. 

It is with great pleasure that I announce the publication of her debut collection through the Wheelsong Books press - Beyond the Pyre. Here's the blurb I wrote for it...

Beyond the Pyre is the stunning new collection of poetry by Imelda Zapata Garcia. The poems, dwelling on themes of family, love, loss and redemption, are saturated in imagery and metaphor and infused with chicano cultural references. The poet invites you to journey with her through her mind and memories of life, love and relationships. Beyond the Pyre is a poetic anthem to the art of surviving the flames of life.

...and here are a few endorsements from poets and writers:

Beyond the Pyre is a fascinating delve into the mind and deep soul of an absolutely brilliant writer.  Taylor Newman, lyricist for Alice Cooper

Imelda writes with such a rich complexity, her words full of stunning detail.  Brandon Adam Haven, poet and author of Into the Grey 

Imelda Zapata Garcia unearths a mine of poetic treasures. Rafik Romdhani, poet and author of Vapour of the Mind 

Rich in verse, a tapestry of colours to illuminate and shine. Sarfraz Ahmed, poet 

A resounding affirmation of life. Matt Elmore, author of Constellation Road 

Garcia has found her literary voice through this collection. A deft use of rhyme schemes and themes of internal strength and delicate beauty resonate throughout. Genevieve Ray, poet, author and playwright

Treasure to cherish forever. Charlene Phare, poet and author of Cobalt Skies 

A depth of lyricism that really resonates. Rhiannon Owens, poet

An anthem to the art of surviving the flames of life. Steve Wheeler, poet and publisher 

A galvanic poetess with a depth and a sonorous voice that ignites on paper. Alan Patrick Traynor, Irish poet and author of Until the Broken Clouds Answer

Beyond the Pyre is available on Amazon and selected stores across the globe in Kindle, softcover and hardcover editions. All the relevant links can be found on the Wheelsong Books website.

Steve Wheeler