Book Look! Poetry Review For May 2025...

 

TITLE: MY HOUSE

AUTHOR: NIKKI GIOVANNI

PUBLISHER: MORROW PAPERBACK EDITIONS

PAGES: 69

Review...

Once upon a time, many moons ago, I scored this book at a local book store, and re-discovered it recently tucked away in my personal library. I'm elated that I did. I've always been a fan of Giovanni's work, and this book allowed me to revisit the many reasons why. When it comes to poetry, Nikki nails it.

FORMAT, FORM  

The book (consisting of more than five dozen poems) is divided into two sections: THE ROOMS INSIDE, THE ROOMS OUTSIDE.

Reminiscent of e.e. cummings' work, she pens poetry in lower-case letters. There are no periods at the end of sentences or stanzas.

Her work is brief, but substantive. Her style of expression is simple, candid, and often thought-provoking and humorous. This is her second collection of poetry.

Within the pages, she shares, through her reflective lens, views on mothers and children, relationships, life observations and experiences of African-Americans.

Among my favorite pieces are:

A CERTAIN PEACE--where she describes the pleasures (and the periodic need) of spending time alone, for sanity sake. In it she states, 

"it was very pleasant

not having you around

this afternoon

not that i don't love you

and want and need you

and love loving and wanting and needing you but there was a certain peace

when you walked outside the door..."

WINTER POEM--

"once a snowflake fell

on my brow and i loved it so much

and i kissed it

and it was happy and called its cousins..."

My House is a quick read with lasting impact. Nikki's "house" is warm, familiar and inviting indeed.  Pick it up where books are sold. You can thank me later.

Poetry Corner* Dr. Archan Mehta

 

Moving Forward

There, there now: Let me comfort you. 

Give me a hug. Give me a kiss. I know how

You feel. Life is challenging, but there is no

Use crying over spilled milk, my dear. I know

You no longer feel the same about them. And

Yet, it is difficult to let go of childhood friends

And family. But they no longer make sense and

Have no place in your life. It is time for you to move

On and play your own song. The past is history and

Let it be. Honey, don’t you see? You have outgrown

Them. If you still feel empty inside, well, it is time

To find the beauty within and slither into a new skin.

You don’t have to dance to the fancies and whims of

Your Kith and Kin. They don’t own your heart and soul.

You can live alone and still be happy and find peace of

Mind. Don’t allow those who don’t matter to control,

Manipulate and bully you. They are no longer a part of you.

BIO

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, he likes to stroll the outdoors and party with close friends. 

He is also fond of meditation.

Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.