Here Was: Poems

by John P. Portelli, Norbert Bugeja (Translator), Joseph Cauchi (Translator)

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only recently gotten into reading poetry and I usually read it in increments. I don’t feel like poetry rushes me anyway.

This collection of poems—Here Was by @johnpeterportelli (published by Word & Deed Press)—is really powerful.

The poems examine the nomadic existence and global citizenship. They call out injustice and show how black and white thinking about other people and conflict is reductive and harmful, making it impossible to recognize the humanity of others and their suffering.

Portelli’s poetry encourages us to examine our biases and prejudices and get out of our own heads. I think everyone could benefit from reading this collection, now maybe more than ever.

[Kylie Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

Permeating throughout the book displacement, trauma, and loss all build up feelings of isolation, nomadic life, and many reminders of how our actions can affect humanity. This collection of wonderfully written poems weaves it all together beautifully; exploring raw and powerful emotions, while giving insight to migrant life.