How often do we hear people say, "oh, well, I'm not really a poetry person". I know I've said that myself on occasions, but one thing I do like to do, as a reader and as a reviewer is dip my toes into genres and areas that I would not normally choose. To me, this is one of the greatest joys of reading; to move outside your comfort zone and read something that is unusual, challenging and different to you.
As an author, I've always had a quiet respect for poets and their ability to play with word and evoke feelings and reactions with minimal word usage. I often refer to poets as wordsmiths, simply because they are able to create such intense emotions by manipulating words in such a way as to touch us deeply. Certainly Wendy Slater has that ability. This collection of what are generally short and pithy poems, take us on a journey, a journey of self-discovery and a journey of questioning what it true and what is important in our lives. I will attest that some of her poems went over my head, somewhat, but I suspect what is required here is a thorough re-reading of the material to garner what is there, for me personally.
As with any collection of poems, there are some that stood out and gripped me instantly. Unlike most poetry collections, Slater's works are unnamed, just delineated by numbers, and often one poem or the essence of the idea would flow into the next. Three poems that really stood out for me, among many, were: 1/ Number 1419, a gentle reminder that we are all one, all the same under heaven and earth, regardless of who we are and that we can all reside in peace. 2/ Number 1426, a poem that took me on a journey through life and that described for me perfectly the pitfalls and pleasures to be discovered along the way, as we finally come to the realisation of life's purpose. 3/ Also, number 1465, which although short spoke of the family and the importance of being together.
This is a selection of poetry that flows, with an unending rhythm that will speak something different to each person that reads it and even something different each time you read it, again. I suspect this is a book that is worth going back time and time again to browse as you will get something new and meaningful from it, each time.
As an author, I've always had a quiet respect for poets and their ability to play with word and evoke feelings and reactions with minimal word usage. I often refer to poets as wordsmiths, simply because they are able to create such intense emotions by manipulating words in such a way as to touch us deeply. Certainly Wendy Slater has that ability. This collection of what are generally short and pithy poems, take us on a journey, a journey of self-discovery and a journey of questioning what it true and what is important in our lives. I will attest that some of her poems went over my head, somewhat, but I suspect what is required here is a thorough re-reading of the material to garner what is there, for me personally.
As with any collection of poems, there are some that stood out and gripped me instantly. Unlike most poetry collections, Slater's works are unnamed, just delineated by numbers, and often one poem or the essence of the idea would flow into the next. Three poems that really stood out for me, among many, were: 1/ Number 1419, a gentle reminder that we are all one, all the same under heaven and earth, regardless of who we are and that we can all reside in peace. 2/ Number 1426, a poem that took me on a journey through life and that described for me perfectly the pitfalls and pleasures to be discovered along the way, as we finally come to the realisation of life's purpose. 3/ Also, number 1465, which although short spoke of the family and the importance of being together.
This is a selection of poetry that flows, with an unending rhythm that will speak something different to each person that reads it and even something different each time you read it, again. I suspect this is a book that is worth going back time and time again to browse as you will get something new and meaningful from it, each time.
You can check out Into the Hearth along with the rest of Wendy E. Slater's works here on her Amazon page:
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