In Verses

A Poetical Emporium

Poetry - General
96 Pages
Reviewed on 08/14/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Anne Ross's In Verses: A Poetical Emporium is a lyrical exploration in which myriad experiences and emotions find expression. With eye-catching illustrations enhancing the text, Ross invites readers into a universe that epitomizes the mundane and extraordinary aspects of life. The anthology explores themes of human connection, identity, and existentialism. For instance, the poem “O Best Belovèd” captures the beauty and ache of longing and intimacy: “You are home to me, / More than family.” Ross eloquently underscores the universal desire for closeness while also expressing the pain of separation. In “Seen and Unseen,” the delicate balance between joy and brevity is encapsulated with lines like, “Such joy that you do not blink when the most delicate things / come suddenly into being.” It emphasizes how fleeting moments can resonate profoundly, urging readers to savor the ephemeral nature of existence.

This original collection features an eclectic style, blending rhyme with freestyle and infusing each poem with beautiful rhythms. Anne Ross has the extraordinary gift of being succinct, capturing emotions with few words, and bringing life to her poetic utterances with symbolism. The rhymes come naturally, and there is no moment when readers feel the music is labored. Ross cleverly addresses societal pressures and self-examination in poems like “On Coming to Terms with Hypocrisy.” With stark imagery, she reflects, “The social face in the mirror / cannot withstand the scrutiny / of these other eyes behind the mask.” In Verses: A Poetical Emporium features a tone that is light and diction that is accessible. The multifaceted exploration of themes invites introspection and connection, making this a noteworthy addition to contemporary poetry. This collection is a gorgeous, thought-provoking offering for poetry lovers.