goodbye sounds like by j. lewis (Author)

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net (July 23, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 86 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8119228278
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8119228270
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.9 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.6 x 0.22 x 8.6 inches

'Goodbye Sounds Like' stands out as more than just a collection of poems. It is a meticulously crafted work, a testament to the careful planning and editing undertaken by a dedicated team of international litterateurs. Rather than a haphazard assembly, the collection reflects a thoughtful arrangement that extends the hand of friendship in the true spirit of peace across our beleaguered planet. Poetry serves as a voice that demands attention. This beautiful poetry collection generously offers to all of us a shared sense of family, embodying the true spirit of international peace.

'fading' eloquently captures the impact of the past two years, marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, on both the external landscape and the internal world of a loved one. The metaphorical use of fading to describe the effect on the red rock hills and father's mind creates a poignant parallel. The red rock hills along the highway from Albuquerque to Gallup losing their intensity reflects a broader sense of loss and change. The comparison of father's fading memories and the vibrant colors of his youth further deepens the emotional resonance of the poem. The use of vivid imagery, such as the stark New Mexico sun unable to revive the intense colors, adds a layer of realism to the emotional landscape painting. Overall, it's a moving exploration of the passage of time and the collective and personal impacts of a challenging period.

fading

two years of covid
have leached us all
even the red rock hills
that line the highway
from albuquerque to gallup
seem to have faded. the stark
new mexico sun cannot revive
the intense colors i remember
i watch my failing father
whose mind is also fading
the vibrant colors of his youth
leached like those sandstone hills (p. 38)

In "Dying Rose," j. lewis skillfully combines vivid imagery with emotional depth. The use of nature as a backdrop, from the crow's call at daybreak to the heavy rainless clouds and the noonday heat, creates a tangible setting. The choice of a dying rose as a central image adds a layer of symbolism, suggesting themes of beauty, fragility, and the passage of time. "Rasp of crow at daybreak calls the sun" is particularly evocative, setting a poetic tone and drawing attention to the cyclical nature of time. The mirage stirred by the noonday heat introduces an element of illusion or distortion, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the poem. The concluding line, "dying rose offers up her perfumed hope," is both poignant and hopeful. It encapsulates the essence of the poem, hinting at the resilience and beauty that can persist even in the face of decline. Overall, this poem is a succinct and impactful exploration of nature, time, and emotion, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of reflection. The careful choice of words and the seamless integration of imagery contribute to its strength.

dying rose

rasp of crow at daybreak calls the sun
rainless clouds hang heavy on the hills
noonday heat stirs shimmering mirage
dying rose offers up her perfumed hope (p. 64)

I am highly impressed with the poem 'falling star'. "Falling Star" is a beautifully crafted poem that skillfully intertwines the celestial and the personal. The narrative unfolds with a sense of anticipation, capturing the speaker's disappointment as clouds obscure the Perseids, yet it evolves into a poignant reflection on love and connection.

The metaphor of stars falling as love into the heart is both tender and evocative. The imagery of a "flash of brightness, a streak of light" effectively conveys the ephemeral nature of both meteor showers and the intensity of love. The metaphorical magic of the universe burning in a "secret, hopeful hiding place" adds a layer of intimacy to the speaker's emotions.

The concluding lines, expressing the difficulty of explaining how someone is "like that meteor," leave an impression of mystery and evoke a sense of introspection. The poem successfully navigates between the cosmic and the personal, creating a contemplative and emotionally rich piece. The language is both eloquent and accessible, inviting readers to connect with the universal themes of wonder, love, and the complexities of human relationships.

falling star

i left the meeting early when i saw the sky.
too cloudy for the perseids. a shame, really.
stars falling, like love fell into my heart,
a flash of brightness, a streak of light.
the magic of the universe burned
in my secret, hopeful hiding place.
but nothing to see tonight.
i took the freeway home. traffic crawled.
the cloud cover broke briefly.
i stopped along a freeway off-ramp.
stared at the unsettled sky.
a single bright line traced its path to the ocean.
the clouds closed ranks. rain came.
i try, but i can't explain
how like that meteor you are. (p. 86)

Overall, I enjoyed this collection and hope that many others read it and appreciate this poetry collection.

                                                                                                                                   Reviewed by Karunesh Kumar Agarwal