THE ART AND POETRY OF LIFE
by Bruce Slater
Reviews
Hannah Richburg
Slater writes about human experiences - aging, religion, nature, life, and loss. He has a strong understanding of poetic language and writes deftly in a way that we can all appreciate. Even if you don't read poetry on a regular basis, Slater's writing is a must-read. His work is honest and impressive.
Slater tackles modern issues and uses modern diction, but he writes in the classical style of poets like Robert Frost. His poetry is rhythmic and beautiful to the ear. *Definitely try reading this collection out loud. You will notice things that you didn't before. *
Perhaps one of the most poignant and heartbreaking pieces in this collection was the poem "Audrey," which details the relationship between the speaker and a woman with Alzheimer's who he meets in a nursing home. I read this poem several times.
Because Slater writes about so many different topics, there's a poem for everyone in this collection.
Faridah Nassozi
A collection of amazing poems by Bruce Slater with stories speaking of the magical journey of life and its endless mysteries. Some poems tell simple stories of life experiences we live every day while others relate stories of enlightenment, but all with profound meaning and emotional pull. The words are filled with everything from sorrow, abandonment, hope, inspiration, and everything in between, but the one thing they all have in common is the deeply enchanting emotional pull that comes through every single one of them.
The best poets are blessed with an amazing gift that allows them to use the same words, speak to different readers, and draw out their varied emotions. Bruce Slater's words embody this gift profoundly. The poems portray the true essence of life with all its ups and downs, and everything that makes it an adventure worth taking on with the magic created when all its mysteries are blended into one journey. The poems are deeply compelling and will have a profound impact on their readers that will stay with them long after they have read the final page.
Each poem tells a story, and some tell more than one. The collection contains a poem for everyone and for every occasion. I could hardly believe that this was Bruce Slater's debut collection - he clearly possesses the gift of a natural and very gifted poet. Reading his work was an enchanting experience and I hope many people get to experience the magic of his words.
Carol Thompson
The Art and Poetry of Life by Bruce Slater is an impressive collection that journeys through the varied landscapes of human experience. Spanning themes such as love, loss, nature, hope, and the pursuit of peace, Slater's work captures life's light and dark in poetic form. With each poem, readers encounter reflections on the day-to-day trials and triumphs that unite us all, conveyed with a sensitivity that resonates across personal and universal levels. One of the unique aspects of this collection is its integration of art and poetry. Each poem is paired with art in various mediums created by Slater, adding a visual depth that enhances the emotional impact of the words. Slater includes quotes from esteemed figures, such as scholars, Nobel laureates, and political leaders, which offer a broader context for his themes, connecting his work with timeless human concerns and the thoughts of great minds. The photography, sculptures, and other forms of medium are intriguing and complement the poetry so beautifully that it would be an excellent addition to any art or creative writing class. The book offers themes for poetry and art lovers that ensure a rich variety, moving seamlessly from moments of laughter and whimsy to poignant reflections on life’s challenges. Whether Slater addresses the beauty of nature or the complexities of forgiveness, each poem provides comfort and companionship for readers navigating life’s uncertainties. The Art and Poetry of Life celebrates resilience, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of shared humanity in the art and poetry embodying life's fullness.
Mamta Madhavan
Bruce Slater produces a collection of poems that deal with emotions found around us in our daily lives. Love, loss, peace, hope, failure, success, regrets, redemption, fear, courage, and life are there in our everyday existence and the poet takes readers on a beautiful and insightful journey that captures these feelings. The poet gives brief notes at the end of each poem so that readers get a better idea about what goes into each poem, giving clarity to the poet’s thoughts and what has gone into the poem so that readers can understand the piece better.
Every poem strikes a chord with readers and they bare the soul and heart of the poet, letting readers into his inner space. The everyday emotions of love, loss, pain, life, and many more thoughts and feelings have been woven along with the words effectively, making them tangible and palpable to readers. While ‘Au Revoir’ captures the myriad emotions that run through a person many a time, ‘Life and Magic’ exposes the beauty of life and the mystery surrounding it, making it an enigma that is fascinating. I liked ‘Audrey’ for its humanness and it shows readers what loneliness can do to a person.
The wordplay is good, neat, simple, and elegant, and that makes it easy for readers to understand the indescribable in a good way and connect with the emotions that are there behind the words. All poetry aficionados will find this collection a delight and all the poems can be re-read.
K. Macgregor
Slater's style is very straightforward, which gives the reader the feeling that he is being honest and raw with his poetry. He stands as a contender with other great poets in terms of craft, as he demonstrates an exceptional control of language that a lot of people lack. I would recommend instantly reading my favorite of the collection, "Granddaughter" - it's simple and sweet, and I really love the atmosphere it paints.
I cannot wait to keep rereading this! I notice something new every time. It makes for a delightful read, and an equally enjoyable reread. I could not recommend this enough!
K.C. Finn
The Art and Poetry of Life by Bruce Slater is a captivating collection of poetry that reflects on the human experience across a broad spectrum of themes, including love, loss, hope, and the environment. This work combines Slater's evocative verses with gorgeous original artwork, enhancing the emotional impact of each poem. The collection addresses the complexities of modern life, providing both humor and poignant insights into the struggles we face daily. Each poem is accompanied by thoughtful commentary and relevant quotes from renowned figures, enriching the reader's understanding of the intertwined nature of art, life, and human emotion. Through this innovative approach, Slater creates a multi-layered experience that invites readers to engage with his work on both visual and emotional levels, making each turn of the page a new discovery. Author Bruce Slater's thoughtful exploration of complex subjects is sure to appeal to diverse audiences thanks to the range of topics his insightful poetry pieces cover, but also because the book speaks to our deepest emotions and commonality as human beings. His unique approach of combining poetry with visual art created an experience that I found particularly moving, especially in pieces where the artwork seemed to complete the emotional arc of the poem. I always felt immersed in the emotion of both the art's visual impact and the words paired with each piece. Broader dialogue about life's challenges and triumphs happens underneath each very personal piece, and I found myself relating to particular verses in unexpectedly deep ways. For me, 'Dark' was a particular favorite for its focus on the need for refuge and the bright imagery conjured by the firelight. I also really connected with the complexity of trauma responses and intrusive negative thoughts in 'Stealth'. Slater's masterful balance of humor and serious reflection captures the duality of life in a way that feels genuine and relatable, making even the most profound observations accessible. I adored the sense of intimate conversation with the reader while addressing such universal themes, making each poem feel like a personal discovery shared between friends. Overall, I would enthusiastically recommend The Art and Poetry of Life to anyone seeking a thoughtful and visually enriching poetic journey through the complexities of modern existence.
Gisela Dixon
Bruce Slater's collection of poems is about life in general with poems ranging from the topics of love, life, heartbreak, sadness, peace, hope, and just all those emotions and little things that make up life on a daily basis. The poems can be read in any order and each stands independently on its own. Bruce has also provided a brief description of his inspiration for each poem in the end notes. Some of the poems are pretty long and can almost count as lyrical prose or short stories told in the form of a poem.
Bruce Slater writes with a good rhythmic style and flow. I liked how the verses rhyme without the writing feeling forced. I also liked the concept of storytelling through the art of poetry, and poems such as “Bird” clearly tell a story in the form of a poem. Overall, this is a great book for poetry lovers and fans of the genre of classic poetry with its rhyming words and lyrical words, and for this reason, I would recommend it.
Pikasho Deka
The Art and Poetry of Life by Bruce Slater is an enthralling collection of poems and artwork that touch upon a wide range of themes, ideas, and topics. "I Snooze" is an amusing poem about a man making a fool of himself in front of a woman he likes, not realizing they are kindred souls. "The Trip" takes readers on a surreal odyssey, traversing the extreme highs and lows of life, as seen from the perspective of an addict. "Shelter" is a poignant poem in which the narrator shares the experience of sitting beside a loved one on their deathbed. "Wonder" encapsulates the extraordinary miracle that is a human being, blessed with limitless imagination to unravel the universe's deepest mysteries. "The Center" follows the journey of a career politician who enters politics with lofty ideals but ultimately succumbs to party loyalty. Bruce Slater captures various facets of the human experience with this eclectic collection of poetry and artwork, leaving the reader with much to contemplate. The Art and Poetry of Life lives up to its name and presents poetry that touches the very depths of your soul and nourishes both your mind and spirit. Alongside each poem, you will find an accompanying art piece that highlights the poem's relevant theme, making the poem even more immersive. At the end of each poem, you will also discover the author's notes on it, briefly summarizing its themes and inspiration. The collection contains a variety of poems. From nature poems to poems about politics and observational poetry about the human condition to intimate poems born out of the author's life experiences, poetry lovers will be delighted to have this collection on their bookshelves.
Melissa Tanaka
An enchanting poetry collection written by Bruce Slater. Slater excels in short form poetry in which he crafts an entire story within a single page. His prose is rich in regards to the language used and the images it evokes; the most notable of these images are often of nature as he builds up a beautiful landscape throughout the course of a poem. That all being said, Slater is also well versed in longer, more drawn out pieces that expand over several pages. To be capable of writing both concise and lengthy poems speaks to his ability as a poet, and some notable works include "Chorus," which contemplates the natural music in one's life; "Genius," a meta-type poem that reflects on what it means to be a poet; and "Duck," a more comical piece that ponders what it would be like to live life as a duck.
Lovers of poetry and life will be absolutely smitten with Bruce Slater's Of Life and Magic. Not only were the poems enjoyable to read, but one thing I particularly enjoyed about Of Life and Magic was that at the very end of the collection Slater included a list of end notes that added an extra layer of depth and information to several poems to help readers to further understand them. As a reader, you hardly get to ask an author what a poem really means to them, and so to have that dialogue laid out for me was quite wonderful!
I enjoyed this poetry collection, so much so that I definitely had to limit putting all the ones I enjoyed in my review!
Luwi Nyakansaila
The Art and Poetry of Life by Bruce Slater is a compelling collection of poems and art that captures the complexities of the human experience. It explores themes such as love, loss, aging, nature, tragedy, and the pursuit of meaning. The poems are presented as stories from various perspectives, depicting the untold struggles of a lonely elderly woman, the carefree existence of a duck, a man dreaming of becoming a star, and much more. The author encourages self-acceptance, love, and the importance of never giving up, while also appreciating beauty. He candidly addresses the pain associated with death and conflict. Bruce shares personal anecdotes and insights on politics, different regions, and cultural experiences. The Art and Poetry of Life is a profound work that encourages readers to appreciate the surrounding beauty, embrace their talents, and seek purpose in their lives, all while acknowledging the shared suffering inherent in the human condition. Bruce Slater addresses both the beautiful and ugly aspects of life, using a blend of humor and earnestness to connect with readers. His words are motivational, filled with messages of love and hope for a better tomorrow. This is evident in his metaphorical stories, such as the eagle and snake attack which symbolize redemption, the triumph of goodness, and survival. The book is structured in an organized and consistent format. Each poem is accompanied by a quote, a piece of art, a painting, a sculpture, or a photograph, along with notes explaining the meaning and messages the author intends to convey. I appreciated this because it offers readers a glimpse into his thoughts and creative process, inspiring anyone interested in the arts. Overall, this is a wonderful read and a must-have for anyone who loves the combination of art and poetry.
Verified Reader
Slater is a gifted poet. His use of language is fresh and expressive. His stories are moving and meaningful. "Officer" is every parent's worst nightmare - until it isn't, in a surprise ending that leaves you near tears. "Adrift" with its understanding of the challenges of aging, is just wonderful.
"Another Day" could be used as a meditation, or a reading in morning services. It’s more than about just another day – it’s about being grateful for every day.
I highly recommend this book - and hope we can expect another some time soon.
Doreen Chombu
The Art and Poetry of Life is a collection of poems and accompanying art by Bruce Slater. It addresses everyday issues that affect individuals and communities, exploring themes ranging from falling in love and caring for the elderly to nature preservation. Slater talks about addiction, the pain of losing a loved one, and the great suffering that many experience due to war, natural disasters, and violence. He covers themes of family, love, and unity and asks existential questions about our purpose in the universe. Each piece invites the reader to pause and explore the world around them. The poems also examine the difference between aspirations and reality, highlighting themes of self-discovery, the significance of the mundane, the weight of regret, and the pursuit of happiness. Overall, these verses celebrate the beauty and complexity of life through the lens of poetic artistry. The Art and Poetry of Life is a multifaceted work that delves into many relevant issues we face today. Bruce Slater does not shy away from critical topics like politics, religion, and trauma, expressing his thoughts passionately through narration and art. The poems are not merely a series of rhymed verses; they tell moving stories that resonate deeply, prompting readers to reflect on their struggles and experiences. Relatable narratives thread through the collection, such as parents experiencing the birth of their child, an insecure person yearning to change parts of their body, and a man falling in love. The accompanying artwork is thought-provoking, evoking emotions that align perfectly with the poems' messages. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound exploration of life's complexities through the intertwined mediums of poetry and visual art.
Verified Reader
This book is outstanding. I was able to experience a whole range of emotions reading Bruce's work. He is so talented as an artist--I own some of his artwork and was anxious to read his poetry. It did not disappoint--I highly recommend this wonderful book!!