Customer Reviews

America at the Millennium : The Best Poems and Poets of the 20th Century

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When I purchased the volume of poetry untitled, America at the Millennium: The Best Poems and Poets of the 20th Century I didn't have any idea of what I was in store for, but when I fliped through the pages of classic poetry it was revealed to me. Every poem in this collection has it's own essence and appeal, but this one particular poem caught my attention. The poem untitled, "Destiny" by Dawn Simmons. It reads,

Do we decide our destiny?
Do we paint the picture of tomorrow?

Are we as complex as they say we are?
Can we fly, and soar?
Can our faith move a mountain?
Do our dreams turn into our destinies?
Will tomorrow come sweeping by,
never to leave evidence that we exist?
Is the world already destroyed by our nuclear wastes and bombs?
Do we have a chance to change the world, within a few blows
of magic dust?
All the sins that we have committed.
All the hatred that we have manifested.
Have we figured it out by now?
People say nothing stays the same.
What?s left to gain?

The poem is just simply literary genuis at its finest, the way the words just leap off the page. It also provides mature ensight and perspective along with thought provoking words that demand a deep reflection on the current state of America and Human civilization and society as a whole. Anyone, that is contemplating on whether or not to purchase this volume of poetry shouldn't think twice, because both this poem and volume of poetry are literary masterpieces.

I am one of the poets featured in this anthology, a remarkable collection, so I am indeed honored. My poem SELDOVIA, ALASKA, is featured on page 300 of this book. I believe this poem describes a hidden place of heaven on earth for all who love the beauty of nature! If you haven't been to Seldovia and stayed at the Swan House Bed and Breakfast, your life is not complete! This is a place to dream, to paint (with camera or brush) to write prose or poetry or even to fish!

"Moved", a poem by S.Carey, is an excellent choice and, arguably, one of the best in the anthology. There is a jagged personality and rugged symbolism in "Moved" that grits its teeth and seethes at the game played through a screen door. "Moved" uses its words sparingly and possessively. Carey's narrator plays host to a home once open, now "dead-bolted". A screen door represents willing vulnerability and yet is the only thing separating the narrator from what could be perceived as more-than-friendship relationship. In contrast, Carey's use of words like "deliberate" and "slammed", along with the abrupt use of punctuation and line breaks, clearly defines finality, distrust and smug triumph. The poem is confrontational, victorious, and chock full of attitude.

This poem strikes at the very base of my heart. The woman who wrote this unique tribute to either/both of her sons was overflowing with the emotion that only a mother knowing she had but only a few precious remaining days to spend with her beloved sons. She was determined to express not only how perfect she felt the boys were, but also how perfect a love only their mother could feel for them. She past away a short time after writing this piece. As a mother and my sister, she was truely "Second to None".

AMERICA AT THE MILLENNIUM,
The best poems and poets of the 20th century.
My poem 'Hiding Place' can be found on page 167, in this very limited publication.
I might be the only person who purchased this collection of poems - if not I'd like your thoughts regarding this poem.
When this poem was submitted - it was submitted to 'Poetry.com'
I'm not sure if this published (hard cover) poem ever made it to the internet itself.
The forward states, "Library of Congress, Cataloging in Publication Data"
ISBN 1-58235-726-9
If you have found this poem on the internet, please send me the link.
Thanks
Peter Donelan

J'ai lu les poems qui etaient dans les reviews. Il semble qu'il y a les poems ecrivant bien et pas si bien. En particulairement, J'ai trouve le poem "Moved" fort et simple. Les mots et les phrases etaient chosis avec precision; ils ont evoque les images des emotions battu.

my own poem, "Ode to Jasmine Jade--That I Might Find Her" is one of my personal favorites. What surrogate or adoptive mother cannot help but relate to the verbage?