while Blue dyes over my Redness
by Ariel Wolfe
Trafford Publishing

book review by Mihir Shah

Wolfe takes experimental poetry to a whole new level with eye-catching graphic images embedded into the background of each poem. Without a doubt, this poetic compilation is an ode to love, in all forms, positive and negative. An intriguing and intricately designed book cover will entice readers, while the poetry is laden with strong images, including that of tears and a bursting heart dipped in a "bloodful red wine."

Though Wolfe's poetry is imbued with sometimes complex metaphors, her genuine feelings regarding the bitterness and sweet nostalgia of love are captivating. Poems like "A Song in Muteness," "To Sidny," and "Slivers of Pain" depict an individual who has enjoyed triumph and endured suffering in love, and are reminiscing upon those moments. In "Slivers of Pain," the imagery of a river of tears and beautiful foliage of nature juxtaposed with a burning sensation of endless bleeding within the speaker is not only compelling, but a translucent portrayal of the author's sentiments.

Wolfe's writing is not simply words on paper, but an eruption of a range of human emotion that cycle between the renewed process of healing and hurting. Poems such as "Bye My Monsterlover," "Prey's Instinct" and "Goodbye Mr. Werewolf, Goodbye Wilderness" compare an intimate relationship to that of the hunter-prey, in which the woman forms an eerie, almost helpless attraction to an abusive lover. In poems like, "Many an 'I Love You'," readers can feel Wolfe's defiance and unyielding belief in her love, especially in the line, "This Love is so strong that it dismantles my ground and destroys me and re-constructs me anew."

Overall, the poet speaks the language of love and the myriad emotions that encompass this raw feeling. Readers who enjoy romantic poetry will appreciate the vivid imagery, creative designs, and a remarkably honest speaker.

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