Leslie Pockell edited this collection of poetry, and it was copyrighted in 2003. Pockell is a business man who started in an entry level position to become a manager. His love of writing about "100 Best" began with "100 Great Principles to Live By." The book was orientated towards business principals, yet he expanded to other topics, such as: poetry and horror.
The variation of poetry is wonderful. The summaries written by Pockell enhance overall appeal and understanding of a poem in a few short lines. The variety in styles, forms and messages of each piece is enjoyable.
Contemporary, classic and ancient poets are featured in "the 100 Best Love Poems of All Time." An ancient poem by Tao-Sheng is intriguing in its form and origin. Predating written history in the West, he offers a friendship message of love. The clay reminds me of husband and wife having children. They combine in several ways.
Sylvia Plath contributes an eerily, despondent poem about love. It was written before her untimely death. Perhaps the love poem reflects her reason for committing suicide.
Gertrude Stein is famous for cubism. Her artistic license is intriguing. Similar to cubism, the poem overlaps, repeating notable phrases while progressing to a final thought. As a fan of free verse, the additional artistic interpretation is haunting.
The diversity of poems guarantees the reader will find a satisfactory poem fulfilling an ideal of love. Well known poets, such as: Dante Alighieri, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, John Milton, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and Tu Fu contribute, along with lesser known poets.
The sentiments range from young love, tragedy, marriage and so-on. Some poems are grouped together to establish a comparison of how men and women express love. Robert Kogan expresses growing comfortable with someone sexually in "Wear Me." Amy Lowell expresses comfort as nourishment in "Decade."
This book is for anyone in love, in love with love or interested in love poems. Men, women of all kinds will find something to pin to the wall or reinforce a romantic viewpoint.
Poetry Breakdown
Love Letter by Sylvia Plath
Married Love by Tao-Sheng
To Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stien
