As a testament to the power of holding a beautiful printed book, WHEN FLOWERS SING: A Poetry Anthology is a nurturing experience beginning with the cover artwork by Vera Kober. Edited by Christina Isobel, each unique poem and page is presented with attention to detail, freedom of expression, good format, and evocative visual snapshots. As an integrated collection, it carries a depth of meaning.
In sections including “Blossoming,” “Full Bloom,” “From Lotus to Lotus,” and “Becoming Flowers,” the subject is explored beyond one-dimensional impressions of color, shape, and scent. Meeting the challenge of translating floral reactions into words, many of the poems tackle more intense themes such as loss, grief, and separation (including “Our Losses Are Only Softened” by Deidre Garr Johns).
With some poems containing lines that stretch across the page, others create great impact through the use of brief words and a few lines. A couple of particularly striking ones include “Joy Flower” by ZZ Jelenic and “Ant Advice” by Tyler Lenn Bradley, which shape words into eye-catching graphic patterns: the first resembles a flower, and the second creates a sense of motion across and down the page.
A couple of poems are notable for their unique and clever approach to the subject. “Wisteria” by Jessie Zechnowitz Lim is imaginatively presented from the flower’s perspective. “People vs. Dandelion” by Parker Atlas Yaw is distinctive in its court-like debate as it assesses flower versus weed.
Several poets focus on the peony, with the one by Emily Tworek standing out for capturing the flower’s complexity and mystery. “Blossoms” by Fiona Pugliese excels in describing the healing power of flowers. “Planting Daisies” by Nobel Chan and “Rebirth” by Meg Eubank lead the group of moving poems with deeper meaning.
A bio section with in-depth entries about each poet pays proper tribute. There is a welcome explanation of the publisher’s mission to weave connections, along with granular details about the typeface and paper selection; and together they complete this deeply satisfying blend of poetry and flowers.
Offering nourishment during troubling times, WHEN FLOWERS SING is a layered poetry anthology about flowers, skillfully edited by Christina Isobel.
~Andrea K. Hammer for IndieReader