REVIEW: Pierced Souls (The Literary Artist)

[Apex Reviews]

Pierced Souls
The Literary Artist
ISBN: 9781434835154
CreateSpace
Reviewed By Wendy Paulson

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


Pierced Souls by The Literary Artist is a stirring collection of moving poems designed to expose the reader to the innermost workings of a soul in constant flux. As we make our individual ways through life, we all experience highs and lows, and, though each of our experiences is different, what unites us all is the common humanity leading us through the various peaks and valleys that we encounter along the way.

In compelling fashion, The Artist manages to remind the reader of such common humanity as she extols the virtues and vices with which we’re all familiar. Included within her collection are poems of reflection, introspection, and the infallible power of hindsight. Also included are pieces designed to invoke respect and humility for the storied, collective struggle of African Americans. Consider, for example, this passage from “My Blackness”:

“Internal racism they implanted in our heads.
Black is beautiful because of the many shades, including red.
Light against dark making us hate each other more than they hate us
To keep us divided because without unity we can’t rise up.”

And this passage from “The Sounds Of My Blackness”:

“I’m of African descent, but what tribe?
Unanswered questions.
My entire life has been a lie.
What do I tell my children when they ask where they belong?”

Such pieces would resonate well at Black History Month celebrations across the country.

The Artist’s heart shines most brightly, though, when she’s recounting her various experiences with the all-too-familiar fraternal twins: love and heartbreak. Driven chiefly by the need to understand the higher purposes of pain and disappointment, The Artist expounds on both in ways to which the reader is sure to relate. Take, for example, this passage from “The Epiphany Of Love”:

"Like hate, love is an emotion that is learned.
It isn’t automatic it takes time and it can hurt.
But the joy it brings has us all addicted.
We feel a high unlike any high that’s self-inflicted.”

And this passage from “Sex”:

“I try to forget you, but I can’t let you go.
But hey!
It’s just sex.
Leaving me wet with emotions I’ll never forget.
Just sex.
Just sex!
Just sex.
Tell that to my heart.
I love you, so what’s next?”

In the pages of her poignant new collection, The Literary Artist has created a palpable world of words that is personal, recognizable, and – most importantly – accessible by hearts and minds everywhere. As such, Pierced Souls belongs on the shelves of poetry lovers of all ages who can and will appreciate all the touching sentiments contained therein.