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5.0 out of 5 starsLapidary: many-faceted, polished, revealing depths.
Reviewed in the United States on 29 March 2015
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This poet's tiny poems first drew my attention on Twitter; I found myself returning to them, sometimes surprised by where they led––as in this one: What was the first song a bird sang
an original note raising winds from its springs
how cool was it & plangent
falling on new ears?
The poem's suggesting both wind and, in the aquatic sense, springs, gave me the illusion of a physical sensation: feeling a breeze and at the same time the coolness of a spring of water––both of which resolve into the bird's song. Up through the word "plangent," then, I was pleased with what the poem conveyed; but then was startled by the last line's suddenly expanding the meaning to all creation with "falling on new ears." So in the end I took the poem to offer a glimpse of the primordial: the bird sings the first song into ears that have heard no such thing before. That seemed to me to be a metaphor for a creative process like the poet's own, which requires a hearing ear.
Kamstra can be comical and rollicking as well: always in few words. To say they are well-chosen is like saying that a brain surgeon proceeds carefully. Highly-––as highly as I know how––recommended.
Such an exquisite collection of short poetry. The imagery was phenomenal, a kaleidoscope of themes. Though the length of the pieces were short, I never knew (judging by their opening lines) where the poem was going to end up. And each time, I was left breathless and satisfied. An intense collection of poetry.
5.0 out of 5 starsA Wonderful Collection from a Poet you should be Reading.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 December 2014
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Kamstra's book was a welcome addition to my library. I've enjoyed Kamstra's daily and prolific poetic posts on twitter (@wyrde) and quickly purchased it as soon as I heard of its availability. If you appreciate good poetry, you should treat yourself and a friend to this lovely collection.