REFLECTION ON DOTS Paperback – August 26, 2023

by Vern Fein (Author)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net (August 26, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 134 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8119228073
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8119228072
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.34 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,418,118 in Books

Vern's " REFLECTION ON DOTS" is a meticulously crafted collection that showcases his versatility as a poet.. The thematic diversity and the structuring of the cycles hint at a rich and thought-provoking reading experience. Below lines convey a sense of the poet's understanding of the moral and ethical dimensions of life, where actions have consequences, and the pursuit of virtue can be a demanding and arduous journey.

Did you ever wonder what Scrooge did after he converted?

Invited God right into his heart and turned it around.

And some fancy ghosts scared him into Christmas.

Indeed, he really knew how to do Christmas well.

Raised Bob Cratchit’s salary yearly. Hot coals and punch all winter.

Uncle Scrooge blessed Tiny Tim by paying for his schooling. (p. 78)

Again The poem "Grateful for Genes" reflects on the act of raking leaves and the deeper contemplations it evokes. This poem provides a candid and introspective look at the experience of an aging individual tasked with the annual chore of raking leaves. It effectively captures the mix of emotions and reflections that such a mundane task can trigger.

GRATEFUL FOR GENES

Raking up the damn infernal,

eternal leaves and grass

every year without fail

they fall on my heart, brain and breath,

can’t even burn the dang things no more

so I do it to make my wife happy

wonder if I will still rake if she goes first

but, sweating and swearing,

now realize at 80 how many

I knew are under the ground

with the colored leaves on top,

red blood, yellow phlegm,

orange juice physic, purple splotches,

wonder if they can hear

the raking and the bitching,

or know how grateful I am

I can still do it at all,

don’t have to hire

a neighbor boy yet. (p. 80)

The poem begins with a tone of frustration, as the speaker grumbles about the ceaseless cycle of falling leaves and grass. This initial annoyance sets the stage for a deeper exploration of life's impermanence and the burdens we carry willingly for the sake of loved ones.

As the poem progresses, it takes on a more contemplative and melancholic tone. The mention of the speaker's age (at 80) prompts reflections on mortality. The imagery of the leaves atop the ground as a colorful covering for those who have passed away is striking. Each color is associated with bodily fluids or ailments, which adds a layer of realism and poignancy to the imagery.

The poem then shifts to pondering whether the departed can somehow perceive the ongoing raking and complaining. This thought leads to a moment of gratitude and self-awareness. The speaker acknowledges the blessing of still being physically capable of performing this task, despite its physical demands and annoyances.

The poem's strength lies in its ability to weave the ordinary task of yard work into a tapestry of deeper themes – the passage of time, the weight of relationships, and the appreciation for one's own capabilities. The language is straightforward and unpretentious, making it accessible and relatable to readers of various backgrounds.

In conclusion, "Grateful for Genes" is a contemplative and heartfelt poem that uses a simple chore to explore profound aspects of life and aging. It reminds us to find meaning and gratitude in the everyday tasks we undertake for the ones we love.

"The Un-Chosen" is a succinct and thought-provoking poem that delves into the profound concept of choice, sacrifice, and divine intervention within the context of a specific historical and religious narrative.

The title, "The Un-Chosen," immediately grabs the reader's attention by presenting a paradox. It hints at a unique moment in the history of the Chosen people when they were, for one night, "un-chosen." This linguistic twist sets the stage for a poem that invites reflection on the complexities of divine intervention and the consequences of such choices.

THE UN-CHOSEN

The Chosen people
un-chosen for one night.
Huddled in the dark
no fire
listened for wings
any rustle
prayed for lamb’s blood
to protect them
from the Angel of Death.
Did they hear the wails
clutch their first born
in the middle of the night?
The Chosen people
un-chosen one time,
blessed. (p. 116)

The poem effectively paints a vivid picture of the Chosen people on the fateful night of Passover. The stark imagery of them huddled in the dark, without fire, and listening for any signs of the Angel of Death's approach creates a palpable sense of tension and fear. This atmosphere sets the tone for the poem's central theme.

The poet skillfully captures the duality of the situation. On one hand, the Chosen people are "un-chosen" for that night, and they pray for lamb's blood to protect them. This references the biblical narrative where they were spared from the plague that struck down the firstborn of Egypt. On the other hand, the poem suggests a haunting question: Did they hear the wails of the Egyptians as they lost their firstborn children in the middle of the night? This raises moral and ethical questions about divine choices and human suffering.

The poem concludes with the word "blessed," leaving the reader with a powerful and somewhat enigmatic ending. This single word underscores the complexity of the situation, suggesting that being "un-chosen" for one night was both a blessing and a burden, depending on one's perspective.

In summary, "The Un-Chosen" is a beautifully crafted poem that engages with themes of choice, divine intervention, and the consequences of such choices. It offers readers an opportunity to reflect on the human and moral dimensions of biblical narratives and the profound impact of historical events on individuals and communities.

The poet is both creative and imaginative.

--Rochak Agarwal