An award winning collection of poetry spanning peace-time to war-time. These historical poems capture the imagination give pride to anyone who calls themselves 'American.'
Excerpt
American Lyricon is one poet's personal anthology of America seen through the eyes of his pen. The people, the music, and the spirit that carries them onward to seach for wide, wide skies.
Professional Reviews
An exquisite and inspiring poetical journey!
As I read through American Lyricon, I became more inspired from the memories of this historical country. Although some of the poems are emotionally, sad hauntings of what once was, the poetical stories told were beautifully written.
While looking through an old mirror of historical memories, I became intrigued by each lyrical poem, and felt magnificent drama from the stories as they unfolded.
"Prayer of the Droughtmen, Windsong, and Road to Glory touched my heart the most, bringing tears to my eyes, as they portray a desperate desire for hope to give us a better tomorrow. After reading through these poems, I was reminded by the historical events I've lived through in the sixties, and what our country learned through survival of such traumatic events.
I strongly recommend that an audience of young adults as well as the older generation would find this book delightful to the soul. The young adult would learn what many have lived through, and the adult would cherish memories we were part of in this country while it was still in the making.
Such quotes as: "Let our dreams expand forth, Heaven pray let it begin soon, To color these drought men's fears," made me cry. "I sit here and ponder cables of inspiration" made me content, peaceful, and happy.
This book is filled with historical mystery, imagination, and great metaphor. The poems are bittersweet, moving, and inspiring through rich imagery used to describe feelings left behind from those who once lived. I was impressed at the sophisticated look of each poem, delighted to look back into that old mirror of historical memories, and my soul was uplifted. This book was exquisite in images, thoughts, and feelings.
Geri AHearn
A Review by Jacqueline Anastasia
Joel Young has written a lusty book of poetry about the flavor, sights, smells, and texture of the American landscape. Full of prose that lets the reader experience America from this author's viewpoint. Joel starts us off with a dissertation of how he got the inspiration to write this book, thanking John Mitchum for his inspiration. Throughout the book Young takes the reader on an incredible journey through the neighborhoods within our minds and imaginations.
There are poems dedicated to real people who've influenced Young's writings. Yet in others, he gives us the world from back broken workman and their laments. This tome brings tears to the eyes, laughter to your soul, and a desire to go out and explore every nook and cranny in this country of contrasts. I hope to read more poetry from this gentleman, and I fervently wish you the reader also see the pleasure within these pages.
Midwest Book Review
American Lyricon
A Poet Sings Of America
By: Joel L. Young
ISBN # 1-9702385-2-5
186 pages
SynergEbooks
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Poetry come in many forms, each word stemming from the heart that moves the pen. Joel L. Young's American Lyricon is a work that truly has been drawn from the recesses of his inner being. His love, respect and understanding for America are felt with every dip of his pen and transferred onto the hearts of those who read his words.
Written from deposits that have been placed within his spirit by people, events and places he has encountered in his life, his words sting the conscience of our souls and demand our minds to remember, to cry, to laugh and to hope. He makes us see America at her best, America in her struggles, and feel the sorrows and joys of our fellow Countrymen, all bringing to fruition what America was yesterday, what America is today, and what America will be tomorrow. American Lyricon speaks forth the heart of America.
Whispers of the past, thoughts for the present and prayers for the future are the feelings etched in my heart after reading this work.
One phrase from Canadian Skyline will remain with me forever: "Whose mist is the breath of God!" Outstanding!
Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
David Hightower’s lyrically expansive meditation on the whims of fate and the unpredictability of the human condition fill the pages of THE HANGING MAN DREAMS with thrilling music and mesmerizing imagery. Hightower’s richly infused voice echoes the e
Inspirational poetry, written from the heart and soul. Verses that are well-suited for reading on a rainy day and that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
