encircled by John Reinhart

An Appreciation of the book, ‘encircled’
by Fabiyas M V Orumanayur

‘Encircled’ is a wonderful collection of poems, penned by John Reinhart, a promising poet from Colorado, USA. As the title sounds, the poet stands in the pages encircled by his children, neighbors and wife.

Opening poem, ‘Swimming against gravity’ abounds in innocent Charm. “…who can observe in the little important ways in which we can beautify our world’ reminds of William Wordsworth’s philosophical depth, ‘Child is father of man.’ The reader paces through the children’s world to reach the poet’s neighborhood in the second section of the book.

The second section opens with ‘a universe at sea’. Nice choice of words makes this poem exceptional. ‘Ice cubes in eye sockets’ and ‘tears frozen to grey stubble’ are unique images. ‘I’d Never Noticed’, another poem in the second section , is deep, reflecting some truths in the contemporary world as in the lines, “…we’ve come to be so distant from the people we live nearest to.” Denver Zoo is realistic and sad as well. The image of rhinoceros is poignantly crafted. ‘Speed dial’ is another beauty in this section.

As the reader enters the final section entitled ‘My Wife’, sweet emotions arise out of lines. The poet seems more passionate here. ‘this room’ and ‘bread’ are lovely creations.

The book ends aptly with an optimistic note, “we’ll rise from ashes at 80, spring in our steps/ lighting fires from the warmth we carry, from ages of ages’ (Kindling). Novel ideas, unparalleled style, sometimes reminding me of E.E. Cummings, Beautiful and poignant images… all turn the book worth reading.