Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite

In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero, the master magician, intones: “We are of such stuff as dreams are made of.” This could be a summation of The Storm Behind Me: A Book of Poems and Pictures by Rory Piontkowski and Sheri Wiseman. It is a compilation of words and visual art that reflects another form of magic. The first poem depicts a howling storm, but whether pristinely serene or an uncontrollable tumult, the sea is a metaphor that represents the human experience. However, this is not a chronicle of life events, but interpretive responses to them filtered through reflection, memory, and dreamscapes. Here is where visualization enhances scope. The struggle within the self for understanding is conveyed as a sought-after ballast to find and maintain self-care despite seemingly overwhelming barriers. This process, in all its gradations, comprises the predominant theme. Insight strengthens as the poems progress in a narrative of verse and image. But an idyllic vista can only be valued after conquering the threats that dwell within. The idea of a moment’s meaning goes to the core of Moonrise where a stunning panorama of nature is momentarily interrupted by a sense of impatience, indicating the need for perspective. In Coming Up from the Dark, the full force of a divided self is seen as a leviathan of corrosive self-judgment. Highlighting that a continuum is not a steadfast conduit to the surety of self-discovery, every act of combat with internal nemeses becomes part of a guide to best prepare for the next assault of fear manifesting.

Beautiful artistic renditions accompany each poem. Interpretations of words visually provide another prism. The talents of Sheri Wiseman and Rory Piontkowski are a synthesis of creativity. The torments we all endure become tangible enemies with palpable dimensions. Unlike most poetry books, there is unity in probing words and affecting images. Some are more figurative, such as the depiction of a light bulb that represents an illuminated bubble of safety. Other paintings are multi-hued abstractions of the sea, sky, and self, such as the introductory sea-storm waterscape and dazzling complement to Water, Color. In Moonrise, gentle brilliance is conveyed as a glistening orange orb, arresting thought and imagination. The final image enhances what ‘behind me’ means—the only possible positive resolution. A potent challenge is issued to those who hold the instrument for change in their open palms. The Storm Behind Me is a multidimensional work of exceptional art that encourages others to strive to apprehend their understanding of being alive.