John Keats Lyric Poems

Another book published by Dover Thrift Editions, their books are great because they leave out footnotes and let people enjoy the unabridged writings of literary giants. In fact, the inside cover is an excellent lists many of the greatest literary poems, stories and plays.

Keats is a name people throw around. "Have you ever read Keats?" Asking the question in a way to imply they are evaluating a person's intelligence. Though many people hear the name, they are not fully aware of what to expect. One of the main characteristics of his poems is a warm, loving catalysts of nature. Several poems open with enchanting visions of sweet buds, fields and gardens.

It is an interesting backdrop to tales about pining and losing love. Some poems feature a back ally lifestyle with harlots. He has a positive outlook on nightlife. The fierce contrast usually portrayed by family members.

Most of the poems have a melancholy element though not horror. Surprised to find some of his poetry hinges on morbid "Isabella," also know as, "Pot of Basil" is shocking. A plot in the long, lurid tale refers to Isabella clinging to her lost and then found lover's face in a pot of basil. Sadly she found people of her own court killed her lover and tragically shrieks, "To steal my pot of basil away from me," expressing anguish and confusion over why they took her one true love.

Beyond a notable ability to harness keywords and paint elaborate pictures in few words the lyrical content enhances the poetry. The melody is fun to read aloud. Everyone, especially actors, will have fun reading the poems in the balmy, soothing tones. "Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness," from Ode on a Grecian Urn is a powerful introduction.

A person must have knowledge of Greek Mythology and Shakespearean plays to understand Cyclades' association with Pan, since Pan is a character in "a Midsummer Night's Dream." Even without an exact interpretation, the use of keywords carries the story forward effectively. Names, such as, Porphyro and Cyclades are then difficult to pronounce.

After reading Keats, a person may want to avoid declaring they are a fan. It is complicated and everyone has their own opinions. I recommend this book to anyone with curiosity or literary leanings. John Keats lived from 1795 to 1821 and is incredibly unlike anything related to common assumptions.

Poetry Breakdown
Lines on the Mermaid Tavern by John Keats

The 100 Best Love Poems of All Time

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