Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells . . .from The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Drawing on the phrasing of T.S. Eliot’s amazing early 20th century poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (above) Frank Prem has produced a collection of companionable and introspective love poetry written, as always, in the unique style that allows every reader to relate.
Prem’s interpretations breathe new life into contemporary exploration of themes of love in poetry, and utilise Eliot’s original phrases to inspire a contemplation of the self in the context of landscape and the wider world:
I am seeking you
within the hubbub
and the burlytrying to gauge
location
by the strength
and timbre
of your voicerising
and falling
even as you rise
and fallfrom rescue and redemption
rescue and redemption is the third of the three collections that together comprise A Love Poetry Trilogy, with each revisiting outstanding work by stellar poets of the past to produce vibrant new collections. The first collection, walk away silver heart, draws on Amy Lowell’s deeply personal Madonna of the Evening Flowers, while the second, a kiss for the worthy, derives from Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.
This is a new kind of poetry that tells stories, draws pictures and elicits emotional responses from readers. Just as the best poetry should.
Amazon.com
HERE is my review for book one, “Walk Away Silver Heart, Poetry Inspired by the Amy Lowell poem ‘Madonna of the Evening Flowers.'” HERE is my review for the second book, “a kiss for the worthy: Poetry inspired by the Walt Whitman poem ‘Leaves of Grass.'”
Australian Poet, Frank Prem, has created his third collection in the Love Poetry Trilogy, called “Rescue & Redemption: Poetry inspired by the T. S. Eliot poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.'” Prem believes that “Eliot’s Prufrock is a journey in search of love, perhaps with a companion, or for a companion.”
Using the found poetry technique, Prem creates a poem from each line of the epigraph, which he says serves as a Requiem. There are close to fifty poems in this book.
Throughout, the principal character sometimes seems feminine, then again switches to a more masculine tone; all the while sharing personal thoughts, as if whoever is sharing these revelations is revealing deep secrets. The prose sings to its own rhythm. Prem’s writing has embraced the brevity of words but found great depth in meaning.
Some of the poems that spoke to me were the flickering (stilled), (perhaps) what my belief, and my favorite: score (for an evening) which is filled with ample sensory details to make you feel as if you’re eavesdropping on an intimate scene.
This is a wonderful series and would make a thoughtful gift for the poetry lover in your family. These poems go well with chocolate and hot tea! I enjoyed every bite word!
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader’s copy.
*I follow the Amazon Rating System*
Frank Prem has been a storytelling poet since his teenage years. He has been a psychiatric nurse through all of his professional career, which now exceeds forty years.
He has been published in magazines, online zines and anthologies in Australia, and in a number of other countries, and has both performed and recorded his work as spoken word.
He lives with his wife in the beautiful township of Beechworth in North East Victoria, Australia.
Amazon Author Page U.S.
BLOG: frankprem.com
TWITTER: @frank_prem
FACEBOOK: Frank Prem
If you have your book listed on BookBub, I will add my review there also! Click HERE to follow me! (Colleen M. Chesebro) Let me know in the comments if you follow me so I can follow you!
I also share my reviews in the Literary Diva’s Library on Facebook. Click HERE to apply for membership.
Thank you so much, Colleen. I’m delighted you’ve enjoyed this collection and the series. Wonderful. 🙂
LikeLike
I loved how your writing changed and evolved through these volumes. The meanings keep getting deeper. Well done, Frank! ❤
LikeLike
It is a little magical to find a piece of writing that is so inspirational. To have found three is really quite marvelous.
These have been a pleasure to work with.
LikeLike
I agree, Frank. It has to resonate with you as well.
LikeLike
Pingback: COLLEEN’S 2020 #BOOK #REVIEWS – “rescue and redemption: Poetry inspired by the T. S. Eliot poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ (A Love Poetry Trilogy Book 3),” BY AUTHOR, Frank Prem, @frank_prem | Frank Prem Poetry
Excellent review, Colleen! Rescue and Redemption is on my bedside table waiting for me.
LikeLike
I like the brevity in Frank’s writing. He’s on a roll.
LikeLike
He is definitely on a roll! I like the brevity of his writing as well because it forces me to read it slowly.
LikeLike
Thank you, Liz. I do hope you enjoy it.
LikeLike
I’m sure I will!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing more from Frank Prem, Colleen!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jan. This is a really lovely collection. Poetry that makes you think. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you, Jan. The collections have been a pleasure to write.
LikeLike
A wonderful review, Colleen. I am reading both book 2 and this book of Frank’s this month.
LikeLike
Thanks, Robbie. I like working with this found poetry. It puts you in the mind of the original poet but at the same time you get to change it a bit. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you, Robbie.
LikeLike
Lol, as I just ate a chocolate! Fab review, no doubt. I’ve read the first 2 also and this one is coming up soon! Congrats to Frank! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks, Sis. He did a great job with these three books. ❤️
LikeLike
❤ Absolutely!
LikeLike
I have hand-made chocolates coming up a little later. Anniversary day.
Thanks Debby. Hope you enjoy #3.
LikeLike
I will be enjoying it soon enough Frank. But please, don’t forget to send me chocolate! LOL 🙂
LikeLike
That’s what I’m talking about! A gift basket of these three books, chocolates, and mint tea! Perfect! ❤
LikeLike
Jup ❤
LikeLike
Best I can do is a picture next time I get some (from a local shop, here in town). My wife and I have already scoffed those I bought yesterday, but they were delish!
LikeLike
It yummy! 😋
LikeLike
Lol somehow, that doesn’t help, but glad you enjoyed 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Do you ship to the states, Frank? LOL! 😀
LikeLike
Just a picture – next time!
LikeLike
LOL! I’ll have to make do! 🍫
LikeLike
A lovely review Colleen and I found the three collections a delight. Congratulations Frank ♥
LikeLike
Thanks, Sally. I agree. ❤️
LikeLike
Ooo, la, Colleen! YOu must have a degree in marketing. Even I want to buy that package!.
Actually, one of the reasons I thought a trilogy would be a neat project was because I’d like the experience of creating an omnibus edition of multiple titles, in book and e-book form. Maybe a hardcover version with wrap, as well.
My current #WIP will is being written as a single volume, so that I can split it later, but already have the combined omnibus together. That’s the theory, at least.
Fun with book design! (No chocolates, though).
LikeLike
I have a partial degree in marketing! LOL! I never had the 💵 to get my bachelors degree. I settled for two associates degrees! Wouldn’t that be a great gift? Maybe you have a local farmer’s market or craft show you could participate in with this idea! ❤️
LikeLike
Fabulous review, Sis! Thank you for sharing it. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so welcome. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vashti.
LikeLiked by 2 people