A Human Eye: Essays on Art in Society, 1996-2008 Book

A collection of essays of poetry, analyzing specific literary works, their merits, their meaning to the author, drawing attention to the power of poetry as a means to social change.

Some of these pieces were hard to follow. They used words and terms fraught with meaning to the author which weren't explained in a way I understood. This made it hard to grasp what she was trying to get across in the essay. Others the writer communicated in simple language what a pem could do, how it could be a force for change. These essays were riveting. I found myself stopping, thinking, and considering her words, along with the various ways poems still resonate with people. Some argue that poetry doesn't sell, which makes it harder to convert it from its raw and potent form into a marketable shape, an argument the writer was quite eloquent about. At the same time, I found myself wondering. Isn't a song a form of poetry? No question there's still a market for those. Written poetry, however, yes, she made a very convincing statement about the difficulty of capitalizing it and the power it still possesses, due to this difficulty.

These essays were of particular interest when they focused on the writer's own poems, some of the thoughts and feeling behind the imagery. This was quite exciting, having the poet reveal some of the method behind her magic. It gave me ideas as to channeling some method of my own. I found myself starting a poem myself, which I hope to add pieces to, given time.

This wasn't a comforting read. It probed many of the societal problems which have haunted us throughout history, only to throb like aching wounds, whenever they're inflicted upon the world. Nor was it reassuring to learn the fate of many a revolutionary poet. Sparks of hope flared up in the essay amidst heavy weight of past and present, in showing that poetry can do amazing things, comforts many people, and remains a necessity for those in dire strengths. Once again I find myself thinking of how we often turn to song, both to distract ourselves and to focus upon the tasks we must do, whether it's cleaning a house or starting a revolution.

Overall, the author's insights were heartening, offering light in the darkness, the names of poets I now what to look up and find out more about. For the enlightenment she offered and the words which resonated for me, I give this four stars.