Death Kindly Stopped For Me

A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson

Poetry - Inspirational
162 Pages
Reviewed on 02/22/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson by Corey Elizabeth Jackson is a collection of original work that contemplates death, existence, and transformation through various poetic forms. In Rather an Odd Quirk of Death, death is personified as a constant yet uninvited companion, creating a dialogue about fear and curiosity about mortality. How Good to Be Safe in Graveyards explores the tranquility of death, imagining it as a peaceful release from life's problems. Barbie Could Not Stop for Death reinterprets Dickinson's classic poem, contrasting Barbie's perfect world with the harsh realities of adulthood and self-awareness. I Go to the Place Where Stillness Waits speaks about the solace found in nature and spiritual tranquility, with vibrant imagery and a lyrical tone, offering peace even in the face of life's chaos.

Corey Elizabeth Jackson's Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a wonderfully thoughtful collection of poems and a truly skillful mix. Jackson is clearly prolific but I genuinely felt that each piece spoke to me differently. I have two favorites: Owl Ensconced on Oaken Branch and Awaiting the Solar Flare, both of which stood out to me. In the former, Jackson captures the silent wisdom of an owl, embodying stillness and spiritual insight against a cinematic backdrop of celestial beauty. The latter ventures into the cosmic, imagining a collective transcendence as humanity faces an impending disaster, seeking unity and peace in a transformed world. Throughout the book, Jackson’s language is powerful, effectively balancing the philosophical with imagery, making the exploration of mortality accessible. Very highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson by Corey Elizabeth Jackson offers a fresh and thoughtful take on mortality. Instead of treating death as something to fear, Jackson presents it as a gentle presence that walks with us through life. Her poetry explores faith, doubt, and the unknown journey beyond life, all while honoring Dickinson’s legacy. It's a combination of traditional poetic styles but done with a modern touch. This creates a collection that both challenges and comforts readers as they reflect on life and the many changes we go through.

Corey Elizabeth Jackson writes about a difficult subject with grace and insight. She respects Dickinson’s influence while also bringing her own voice and perspective, making the collection feel original and meaningful. I found myself revisiting several poems just to appreciate their layered meanings. Her use of language is both precise and flowing, making big ideas feel natural and accessible. My favorite piece from the book was 'The Old Native Chieftain from Forests Among' because it was so visually stimulating and easy to imagine, and the emotions associated with death in it are so peaceful and spiritual. The way Jackson transforms heavy themes into moments of quiet reflection and acceptance is truly moving. What stood out to me most was how she finds beauty in life’s greatest and most terrifying mystery, creating poetry that can be a source of comfort for anyone trying to cope with loss. Overall, Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a must-read for anyone looking for poetic wisdom on mortality and the human experience.

Pikasho Deka

Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop For Death," Corey Elizabeth Jackson presents an enthralling poetry collection that portrays Death as something more than just the harbinger of doom. Death Kindly Stopped For Me is divided into four parts -- each exploring a different facet of Death. "Rather an Odd Quirk of Death" highlights Death's unwavering loyalty and civility toward mortals while expecting little else in return. "Death Told My Doctor to Tell Me" follows the narrator on their deathbed, waiting for Death to take them toward new realms of love. In "On Mother Earth," the narrator thinks about how the entire world came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, unified in fear. The narrator imagines their soul continuing its journey to become one with the cosmos in "My Soul Leaves Body Floats from Home."

This is one of the most interesting and thought-provoking poetry collections I've read this year. Death Kindly Stopped For Me suggests the idea that Death can be far more than the cause of people's suffering. Depending on your perspective, it can be your friend, inspiration, salvation, or the beginning of a new adventure. Corey Elizabeth Jackson displays a distinctive poetic flair that is authentic and refreshing. Jackson's poems do, at times, seem abstract. Her verses also leave a lot open to interpretation, and I think poetry lovers will have a great time peeling back the layers concealed within these poems. This collection is meant for repeated readings. I loved how Death is depicted as an entity with a personality of its own in these poems. I found this to be a very inspiring poetry collection. Highly recommended!

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

In Death Kindly Stopped For Me by Corey Elizabeth Jackson, the author writes poetry in the tone of Emily Dickinson, taking inspiration from Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death." In four sections, Jackson touches on timeless concerns, like mortality, and modern worries, like COVID-19 deaths, while personifying death as a confidant and empathetic helper instead of a dark stalker in the night. She details different ways we meet death, sometimes narrowly avoiding it, and other times going away quietly with it into the beyond. Jackson also relates verses as her soul seems to travel across different landscapes on Earth and through the universe.

Corey Elizabeth Jackson embraces what most people fear and communicates it in lovely language and meter, demonstrating versatility through changing rhyme schemes. Instead of fearing and hiding from death, she gives it human qualities, like compassion and respect, revealing a different perspective on fate. The lines made me feel that my attitude toward death is my choice, making me believe my end will be more dignified. Though melancholy at times, much of the work gave me hope for the future and motivation for the present. Jackson has a unique view of death, even though it has claimed beloved family members. I was in tears as I read "When I First Saw My Baby Boy" and I think the piece will deeply touch parents who have lost their infants. If you are ready to explore your inner landscape and view well-drawn sketches between selections, you will love Death Kindly Stopped for Me.

Foluso Falaye

In Death Kindly Stopped For Me, Corey Elizabeth Jackson shares her view of death, portraying it in multiple dimensions, personalities, and roles. Inspired by Emily Dickinson's poems, the author creates a richly metaphoric and mesmerizing volume of poems about death. The book is divided into four parts. The first two parts depict death as a friend and an entity with a personality. One character asks death not to leave them behind in Part One. Another character from Part Two talks about being truculent toward death. The poems explore death beyond earthly boundaries in Part Three. One poem in this section portrays a mystical dreamlike lake, while another narrates a character's fear of death. The fourth part creates a beautiful representation of the path of transformation and crossing to the other side, from experiencing galaxies with memories to awaiting the solar flare and more.

Corey's words are lyrical and a joy to read aloud. I had a wonderful time meditating on many memorable lines. Also, death is described with detailed characteristics and actions, such as in the poem I Hitchhiked from My Home in Town, which shows death being hesitant and driving slowly. Prepare to be entertained from start to finish since the book's different parts portray unique atmospheres that give you a notable perspective of death. I went from seeing death as a human to enjoying the mesmerizing experience of journeying to other realities, including multiverses. This lyrical, deep, and engrossing collection by Corey Elizabeth Jackson is a well-crafted volume that will stand the test of time and impact both present and future generations, inspiring them to see death in a less fearful light. I strongly recommend Death Kindly Stopped For Me!