Floetry is a Collection of short stories and poetry.
Some of the poems are about everyday life, love, and experiences.
While the short stories seem to took on a life all their own as soon as the pen hit the page.
Then there are time when I see something of beauty so I write about it, other times it's a feeling or something passionate and I write about it, but most of the time I hear it, and it's like something needs to be said and I have to write about it.
All of which I've collected here to share with you.
Excerpt
8. There’s no class to take, no test to pass or even a degree to be handed out, it’s all inside of you, you must search and find what’s beautiful to you. Now people will laugh because they don’t understand, it might even sound strange to you at first. Just look deep within you and you will surely find what makes you smile at the thought of it. For me it’s a lot of things. I love art, so sometimes I go and find a gallery, or just a picture section in a local store, while I’m there the pictures seem to talk to me, at least one or two anyway. I always carry paper with me, other times I use whatever I can find, a napkin, or a receipt even, I jot down my thoughts and the next thing I know I have something new to add to my collection.
Professional Reviews
A literary soundtrack for my days off
I think it's rare to find a collection of poems and short stories that you actually want to pick up several times a week. I have a few in my personal library and Floetry is no exception. I always say that it's reading for my days off... when I want to relax and slip into someone else's world for a change. I have the pleasure of knowing Felicia in person. And knowing her and reading her writing has truly been a blessing. Her writing is emotionally expressive, fluid, and very personal. My favorites are the poems "Smile" and "You" and the short stories "The Music Man" and "Nikki and Mr. Big Bones". You will fall in love with this collection because everytime you turn the page it's like you are getting to know a good friend on an intimate level.
Read in July, 2008
recommended to Sabrina by: Breeni Books
Not being an avid poetry reader, the characteristics of a poem that appeals to me are pretty straightforward. I have to be able to relate to the message, plain and simple. With the collection of poetry gracing the pages of Felicia Martin's debut, Floetry, I can more than relate to the message; I feel like I'm getting a glimpse of the author's soul. Each word seems heartfelt and, true to the title, flows. An entire life emerges from the pages, fully constructed and bared for the world to see.
Many of the poems are obviously tied to the author's life experiences, but many are also written in appreciation of the blessings set before us. From the joy of childbirth to the changing of the seasons to the humor of getting drenched in a storm, each is constructed in gentle reverence for the beauty of life. The author's religious convictions, detailed in the introduction, are an obvious inspiration for her work. Pride in her African heritage and a call for peace and unity are woven into passages of contemplation.
The poetry is highlighted with several touching short stories. The Music Man is a tale about an inspiring musician and a kindhearted fan. In Nikki & Mr. Bones, a child is guided through love, loss, and is given the gift of courage. Ms. Sadie describes the seer that gives us a nudge when we need it.
At the end of the book is the most important tool for connecting with the author: a key. It lists each poem and story in the book and tells the specific meaning for Martin. I like to be able to devise my own meaning from what I read, but having a tool like this is fun to see how my own interpretation differs from the author's.
Floetry has a few grammatical and spelling errors, issues that can easily be remedied with a little editing. It provides an incredibly peaceful reading experience. You'll find yourself smiling, laughing out loud...maybe even crying. Pick up Floetry if you're looking for peace, inspiration or reassurance.
The songs and art in this book are about our collective emergence after the pandemic and trauma of the last few years - comprised of 5 collections: World as Refuge, Where We Live, In Our Hands, Rhythms of Change and What We See & Sow.
This is a book of free verse poetry that addresses the seven main tests in life and offers some sensible solutions to passing those tests with minimal discomfort.
