book reviews
Reviews of the best poetry books, collections and anthologies; discover poems and up-and-coming poets across all cultures, genres and themes.
: A Journey of Curiosity and Discovery
art writing...Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Invitation In a quaint little town nestled amidst rolling hills, lived a young girl named Emily. She possessed an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for solving puzzles. Her room was adorned with shelves filled with intricate brainteasers, jigsaw puzzles, and cryptic riddles. One sunny morning, as Emily was organizing her collection, a letter slipped through her letterbox, catching her attention. It was an elegant, old-fashioned envelope sealed with a wax emblem depicting an enigmatic symbol. Intrigued, Emily carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter. It read: "Dear Emily, I have heard tales of your remarkable puzzle-solving abilities, and I beseech you to undertake a challenge of a lifetime. Your skills are needed to unlock the secrets of an ancient artifact hidden within the depths of the forgotten Castle of Enigmas. Bring your wit, for only the sharpest minds can unravel the mysteries that lie within. Meet me at the old oak tree on the outskirts of town at dusk. Trust your instincts, and let your heart guide you. Yours in anticipation, The Puzzle Master" Emily's heart raced with excitement and anticipation. She had dreamt of such an adventure her entire life. Eagerly, she prepared for the meeting, donning her trusted backpack filled with puzzle-solving essentials. As the sun began to set, she made her way to the old oak tree, her mind filled with endless possibilities. Chapter 2: The Castle of Enigmas Under the fading light, Emily arrived at the designated meeting spot. As she looked around, she spotted a figure cloaked in shadows, standing beside the massive oak tree. It was the Puzzle Master. He beckoned her forward, and together they embarked on a mysterious journey. The Puzzle Master revealed himself to be an enigmatic man with a twinkle in his eyes. He explained that the Castle of Enigmas held a powerful artifact, hidden by a series of intricate puzzles and riddles. Only by successfully solving each challenge could they unlock the castle's inner sanctum and claim the coveted prize. For days on end, Emily and the Puzzle Master delved deep into the castle's labyrinthine halls, encountering puzzles of all shapes and sizes. They solved cryptic riddles, maneuvered through intricate mazes, and deciphered complex codes. Each solved puzzle revealed a clue that led them closer to their goal, but the castle seemed alive with a mind of its own, constantly challenging their intellect and resilience. Chapter 3: A Test of Courage As they ventured further into the heart of the castle, Emily and the Puzzle Master encountered a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. A colossal room filled with an array of buttons and levers stood before them. A note on the wall read: "In this room, bravery will guide the way." Emily felt a surge of determination and approached the buttons. She noticed that each button had a symbol representing a different emotion. Realizing that bravery was the key, she summoned her courage and pressed the button adorned with a lion symbol. Instantly, the room began to rumble, and a hidden door appeared, revealing a hidden passage. Chapter 4: The Final Puzzle Their journey culminated in the Great Hall, where a pedestal awaited, holding the fabled artifact. The final puzzle stood between Emily and her goal. As she approached the pedestal, she noticed an intricate mosaic on the floor. It depicted a complex pattern of interlocking shapes and symbols. Emily and the Puzzle Master studied the mosaic intently, analyzing the shapes and symbols for any hidden meaning. After hours of collaboration and deep thought, they uncovered a subtle pattern that unlocked the final challenge. With a trembling hand,
By ABDULSAMMAD BUSAIRI 3 years ago in Poets
From Baldwin to Marley
During the lockdown, when most of the poems in "Archipelagos" were written, I reread many of the books that shaped my life and work: Garvey's "The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey," Cesaire's "Discourse on Colonialism," Fanon's "The Wretched of The Earth," Brathwaite's "The Arrivants," Walcott's "Collected Poems," and Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time." Revisiting these works, reading Amitav Ghosh's "The Nutmeg's Curse" and listening to Bob Marley influenced the poems in “Archipelagos.” "The Archangel's Trumpet," in particular, embodies the ideas of Brathwaite, Baldwin, and the songwriters who provided a subtext for the poems.
By Geoffrey Philp 3 years ago in Poets
"Ignite the Flame: Embracing the Power of Motivation". Content Warning.
POEM EXPLAINED IN DETAIL ! "Embers of Motivation" is a poetic exploration of the power and significance of motivation in our lives. The poem delves into the concept of motivation as a guiding force that ignites our spirits and propels us forward, even in the face of doubt and adversity.
By Poetic pulse3 years ago in Poets





