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Giampaolo's poetry collection is both whimsical and thought-provoking. The collection comprises three types of traditional Japanese poetry: haiku, tanka, and chöka, with themes that include love, nature, and the unbreakable human spirit. The work is wise, moving, and smart. Giampaolo has breathed life and passion into his poetry, causing it to leap off the page and into the heart of the reader.
The collection is split into four sections: Nature, The Art of Writing, Essence, and Love. No one poem feels the same, and each one is unique and different. While each poem is masterfully created, some truly stand out, such as "Under the Cherry Blossoms," "Koishii," "What is Life?," "Envision Peace," "Sleepwalking," "Seijaku," "The Importance of Humility, Resilience, and Wisdom," "Lavender Dreams," and "Autumn Winds." For example, with "Koishii," in just five lines, Giampaolo hits his readers with a gut punch. The poem suggests that things that currently irritate a person, such as a dog barking, will ultimately be missed. This is a profound idea that is masterfully conveyed with only a few words. Speaking of only "a few words," haiku is known for its three lines, and Giampaolo makes the most of each one. Reading Giampaolo's offerings is like reading haiku created by the great Matsuo Bashō.
Giampaolo obviously knows his craft, and it shows in this less than 200-page poetry book. If this is the first time readers have encountered his work, they will likely be looking for more. Fortunately, as noted in the biographical portion of the book, there isn't a shortage, as Giampaolo has written fourteen books, ranging from poetry to historical romance. Fans of poetry will likely find this work ranks among their new favorites.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review