"There are those times you bring me pain but you will always be my friend."

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This poetry collection showcases the works of a professional lyricist and horticulturist, drawing from many years of his life experiences. It brings together pieces published elsewhere with those showing up in print for the first time. Each poem flows with the musicality of a tune ready for the reader to sing them aloud, and many of the selections include repeated chorus sections. Additionally, personal travels, reflections on the state of the world, and historical accounts are prominent features in its contents, interspersed with several humorous pieces of such a domestic nature as navigating sofa cushions or the memories associated with certain types of furniture, in general. The changes felt in the passage of time, loneliness, and the need to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding world are also recurring themes.

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In many ways, this wide array of pieces feels like enjoying a travel book shared through poetry rather than prose. There are so many rich, vibrant details in the destinations portrayed that draw the reader in as much as the clear rhythm embedded in each line. And given the occupation of its author, it would not be a surprise to find an album where all the poems printed in this specific collection had been put to music. They set themselves up nicely as if in preparation for that kind of endeavor. The thoughtfulness depicted in moments such as pointing out the sense of loss felt by those revisiting places after a great lapse of time to the lasting memory of sweetness created by a seemingly simple kiss brings great depth to this collection. As such, it becomes a wonderful read for anyone fond of poetry and music.

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RECOMMENDED by the US Review