Dynamic Parts: A Collection of Poems by Matthew Ryan Defibaugh is an interesting journey through a mixture of emotions, feelings, desires, and aspirations. The author has compiled into a book a selection of poems written since he was thirteen. The poems are varied and contrasting, and their construction tends not to conform, which at times seems a challenging read, but at others is refreshing. There are times when the poems are distant and basic, and at others deep and filled with hidden meaning. The subjects are diverse, sometimes reflecting on times past, and others on the present. Many applaud nature. They vary in their length as much as their content, but they all create imagery in the reader’s mind.

When I first began reading Dynamic Parts, I was filled with mixed emotions. The first few poems are not the strongest, but as I settled into the author’s tone and mood I found I could understand what he was trying to convey. The writer’s maturity shows in the later poems, but also the earlier ones are moving in their starkness. Taken as a whole, I think the book has potential. I consider it would benefit from a visual addition with each poem, such as an illustration or a photograph that would reflect the content of the poem. I felt quite moved by many of the pieces which conjured up pictures in my mind. As a first work this is a tribute to the writer, and I would encourage him to continue to write from his heart in his somewhat unconventional way.

In his book, Dynamic Parts: A Collection of Poems, Matthew Ryan Defibaugh shares the culmination of his writing from the last sixteen years, covering such subjects as “nature, life, death, leisure, and love.” Defibaugh sees the world through the eyes of one who doesn’t take for granted his lengthy stay here, as he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease that results in the progressive weakening of the skeletal muscles and eventually the heart. The struggle with this disease seems to give Matthew’s observations and poetic feeling a depth that many happy-go-lucky authors rarely, if ever, attain. Although Dynamic Parts is short, do not grab this book expecting a quick read. Be prepared to muse and ponder each sentence and how what its part is in conveying the meaning of the poem as a whole.

I came to Dynamic Parts: A Collection of Poems not really knowing what to expect. I’ve read a fair bit of classical poetry on my own and have five to six years of my own scribblings under my belt. So, both as a reader and author in the genre, and seeing that Matthew Ryan Defibaugh had written some of his work as young as thirteen, I didn’t put the bar too high. I was surprised – pleasantly so – this guy really knows his stuff! He has poetic structure and movement, choice words and incredible depth. I enjoyed the taste of each poem on the tongue of my mind. Some were bitterish, but most were sweet or savory. I’m so glad I took the time to read and enjoy this book. You should, too.