This book is a collection of inspired poetry with photographs from travels abroad and artwork from the author’s son. The graphic illustrations noted in this collection give poetic imagery and form. The major patterns of Lyric Poetry noted include: (1) Japanese Haiku, the shortest form, consists of 17 syllables in three lines of 5-7-5 syllables. (2) The ode - a longer, serious poem commemorating an important event - exudes feelings of praise and noteworthiness. (3) The elegy (related to eulogies) mulls on issues and events of life and death; it is often in obituaries and funeral services. Various poems reflect the elegy pattern as demonstrated by love poems expressing deep love. Others deal with life and death, and several are relating to current events in religion and politics. Most of the poems exhibit ode and elegy forms. Praiseworthy aspects of this poetry include the rhythm and the imagery engendered for the reader through word choices. This is strong and powerful collection of poems that will surely stir your soul. They draw in the reader to make one feel like you are right there living in the action portrayed so aptly in words. The poems in this volume incorporate a variety of styles, focus, content, knowledge, and emotions. I believe every reader will find something in this collection to stir the heart and stimulate the intellect. These poems are a bountiful treasure, extraordinarily powerful and thought-provoking.
