Book Review: Above and Below by Phyllis Jean Green (Pea)
This book of poems is a must read for those of us who enjoy thought-provoking ideas and complex themes. To appreciate all of the flavors, the poetry captured in Above and Below by Phyllis Jean Green one must savor and pause upon her phrases. Resplendent blossoms, birds, and a variety of animals run through Phyllis’s poems revealing layers of meanings that give a rich flow to her work.
And work the words she does. In one poem, “No Easy Way” in memoriam to Vincent van Gogh, I felt his paintings with greater insight than before. I suffered the glory of the celebration of his genius as an artist and his pain. This poem was one of my favorites, but all of her work is a compelling read that display a cacophony and harmony of emotions. My moods were pleasantly swayed from dark to light as I read through her gifts. And just when I thought I had garnered the message of a poem, out would peek Phyllis’s mischievous humor and irony.
Above and Below is a collection of poems well worth anyone’s time.
This is a well written review! I like how you specify a favorite poem and tell a little about how it affected you. Nicely done!
Sheila
S e n s i t i v i t y ! That my work speaks to you is. . .I can't think how to say it. . .it is so a f f i r m i n g. One of the reasons writing has saved me is that it is a means of connecting at the deepest level with creative and empathetic souls. . .I started to say 'like you,' but you are one of a kind! As in, the *best kind* !! Those I admire most {think someone whose initials are EAP} have
grown, rather than let themselves be embittered by Life's Little
Lessons. and are always open to new ideas and experiences. Determined never to stop learning and sharing!! You are all these things, and so much more. I am grateful beyond expression that you have come into my life, Miz Liz. Your works reflect your breadth of knowledge, joie de vivre, humor, and respect for literature and the tools of the trade.
Thank you so much for. . .e v e r y t h i n g.
Love always, and Then,
Phyllis
Jean
Regis