WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi

 I had to think about this seventy-seven page book of poetry, WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi. I actually read most of it over 2 weeks ago and enjoyed it. My notes were more than words but, I thought it would be unfair to the reader because this book of poems is meant to be savored not devoured. Thus I took a pause and revisited the poems, from the lens of a poetry lover and not a book reviewer.

WATER FOR THE ROSE is a collection of introspective poems that is better appreciated in the calm of the day and not the hustle and bustle of life. Don’t read it on your way to work, read at the end of your day with a nice beverage. 

The poems are emotion driven. A friend and I read one poem together, “walk with me together” - what a unique experience. This one poem lead to a discussion about relationships. 

The poems in the book WATER FOR THE ROSE are thought provoking, eclectic, and sensual. These poems appeal to the essence of the reader thus they are subject to interpretation.  The poems are conversational, perfect for a book club. It is also great book to read out loud if you are lounging on the beach with a friend, listening to jazz and drinking wine. 

My autograph copy of WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi would be sitting on my coffee table if I had one but because I don’t it will be on my book shelf in a place with all of the other books I recommend.

   Written by Marsha L Floyd 

I Like Books -- a spoken word poem

NOT MY LAST BREATH

by Marsha L. Randolph         Of all the different forms of art I would say painting and poetry can be the most difficult to review, they are both subject to personal interpretation. Fortunately I do not have to review a painting; I am however searching for the right words to describe a book of poetry entitled “Not MyLast Breath- Collected Spirit in Print” by Nadjwa Effat Laila Norton, Artist: Jason V. Roberts.  

Had the author not explained her poems I would have read each poem incorporating how each word appealed to my emotions.  Explaining your work is like telling the end of a movie; it spoils the entire experience. “Not My Last Breath” would have been subject to my interpretation had she kept silent.  If I could disregard her words I would be able to tell you that I loved her poems except I kept remembering what she said.

      I have never read a book of poems in which the writer felt the need to explain the organizational structure of a book. I have read Langston Hughes, Ntzoke Shange, Nikki Giavonni, Willie Joyce Floyd, C. William “Champ” Morris, Bianca Floyd and a few others I don’t recall them ever doing such.  Those I know personally have asked me, upon completion of a poem: “What do you think?”

For example she begins her book (after the traditional acknowledgments of course) on page 8:

“Dear Readers :
“Not My Last Breath: Collected Spirit Talk in Print” was created with the intention  that it would speak to people with a range of spiritualities.”  

    This word “spiritual” is what has caused me pause. For me as a believer in Jesus there is only one God thus there is one Spirit therefore when someone refers to “many spiritual entities” (page 7)  or “enacted our spiritual calls” (page 16) as a Christian I have to double check what the writer is talking about. I walk away disappointed not by the quality of the poetry but by the inspiration behind the words.

    Paintings and poems are art that is subject to interpretation.  I would have enjoyed the poems from a Christian perspective had the writer not went through such pains as to explain her work.  Instead I was taken out of my world and brought into hers, one of which I am only vaguely familiar with. To the few individuals who follow my reviews: my overall impression is this book leans on a Unitarian or New Age way of thinking.

I would recommend this book if you see at a library. (The artwork was beautiful.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

MY MODERN WOMAN by Giscard Nazon

BOOK REVIEW:   “My Modern Woman” by Giscard Nazon is a book that begins with its’ cover, back and front; if you get ‘it’ you will get it. Everyone will not be able to appreciate the length and depth of this single poem that took 57 pages to write.

As I read “My Modern Woman” I felt the unique rhythm of the words written by Giscard Nazon as he weaved faith, politics, life and relationship into a prophetic message. His words were more than a celebration of womanhood; they were a warning to those who do not pay attention to the events of the day and a reminder of God’s word. None of the words written were subtle yet if you have difficulty following the flow of poems that do not rhyme the book may be difficult to understand.

 I enjoyed this book and I do recommend it. However, the very thing that makes me like “My Modern Woman” is probably what will make others not like it.  This poem made me think, like Psalm 119 (which I love) I had to read some passages over again. “My Modern Woman” is not something you will read one time and grasp every concept presented.

Upon successful completion of this book you may find that there are some things you agree with and others you do not.  However, the fact that you completed the book is an indication that Giscard Nazon did exactly what the book cover promised: it got you to think about your faith, your life, your government and your relationships, all in just 57 pages.   

I recommend this book. This is a book I would purchase. Marsha L Randolph 

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. This I have done.