In "Focusing on the Things I Have," Delores Abdella Combs unveils a collection of deeply resonant poems that explore the multifaceted tapestry of human experience. With accessible language and heartfelt emotion, Combs delves into the joys and hardships of life, examining love in all its forms – from passionate desire to the pain of heartbreak and the resilience of starting over. Her work doesn't shy away from social injustices, addressing themes of violence and homelessness with compassion and a call to action. Prepare to be moved by Combs's poignant portrayals of both lament and jubilation, a journey that will evoke tears, inspire your own voice, and leave you captivated by the beauty of her lyrical imagery.
Review Focusing on the Things I Have
Reading Delores Abdella Combs's Focusing on the Things I Have felt like discovering a hidden gem, a collection of poems that resonate with the full spectrum of human experience. It's not just a book of poetry; it's a journey through life's joys and sorrows, told with a raw honesty and emotional depth that is both captivating and deeply moving. I found myself completely absorbed, sometimes laughing, sometimes weeping, always feeling deeply connected to the words on the page.
What struck me most was the incredible range of emotions Combs evokes. From the heart-wrenching pain of heartbreak in "So Now You Want to Say Goodbye," where the slow realization of a relationship's end unfolds with agonizing beauty, to the pure, unadulterated joy of "Lemons and Stars," the book showcases a remarkable mastery of capturing the nuances of the human spirit. The sensual, yet subtly suggestive, beauty of "Thinking of You" truly is unforgettable – a testament to the power of words to create vivid and intimate landscapes of feeling. And then there’s the stark, emotional directness of "Truth Be Known," a poem so revealing and poignant, it leaves a lasting impression long after you've finished reading.
Combs doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. She tackles social injustices, homelessness, and violence with a compassionate lens, weaving these themes seamlessly into the tapestry of her personal experiences. This creates a powerful sense of empathy and shared humanity, reminding us that even amidst hardship, there is beauty and resilience to be found. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of poems written for special occasions – birthdays, weddings, memorials. While written for specific individuals, these pieces offer universal reflections on love, loss, and the passage of time, allowing readers to connect with their own memories and experiences.
The accessibility of Combs's style is another remarkable aspect of the book. Her words are like soft brushstrokes, painting vivid pictures with gentle yet powerful imagery. The poems are easy to read and digest, yet they possess a depth that encourages multiple readings and continued reflection. You can pick it up and put it down as needed, but you'll find yourself returning to it again and again, discovering new layers of meaning and feeling with each revisit. It's a book that invites you to slow down, to savor the words, and to allow yourself to be fully present in the emotions it evokes.
Having had the pleasure of knowing Delores and witnessing her talent firsthand, I can attest to the authenticity and vulnerability that shines through her work. The combination of emotional maturity and openness is what makes her poetry so profoundly impactful. It's a voice that speaks directly to the heart, reminding us that we are not alone in our joys and sorrows, and that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, always something to focus on, something to hold onto, something to celebrate. This collection is a testament to the power of poetry to heal, to inspire, and to connect us to the shared human experience. It's a truly exceptional work, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking genuine emotional resonance and artistic excellence.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.31 x 7 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 137
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- Its Time for Me to be Heard
- The Sunset at Idyllwild
- Words are My Refuge
- Lemons and Stars
- Almost Always
- When you know someone
- Magarit's Story
- Memories of Jack
- Warm Dinner and a Hug-
- Forgotten Souls
- Now the world knows why
- Pancakes from Mickie D's
- Yesterday
- The Dam Can Not Break
- Finally; brave enough to tell
Preview Book
