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Five Dreams
Elizabeth Michaud's debut collection creeps into consciousness the way echoes of place and people weave through slumber-a storied patchwork recollecting love and loss and longing. With narrative lyricism and an imaginative prowess for keen social commentary and the observational (extra)ordinary, Michaud spins whispered bedside prayers, love potions, campfire-cautionary tales, ghostly forms, and meter and verse. From our daydreams, waking dreams, "take these reckless sighs I breathe / and this weakness in my knees" dreams, to our anxiety-fueled, "she chants her words for all to hear / And one by one, they fall in fear" lore,
Five Dreams
lures us with both the threat and promise of waking, while reminding us not all nightmares fall away with the sleep from our eyes.
Five Dreams is an award-winning collection of poetry. It won First Place for Best Contemporary Poetry in The BookFest Awards for Spring 2024. Additionally, her collection of work was also named a 2024 Finalist for Poetry by Literary Global Awards, and a 2023 Finalist for the American Best Book Awards for both General Poetry category and Narrative Poetry category. The poems in this collection are a return to more classic styles of poetry, featuring both metered and free verse forms, but with a focus on modern themes for a completely "new retro" style of verse.
Five Dreams is an award-winning collection of poetry. It won First Place for Best Contemporary Poetry in The BookFest Awards for Spring 2024. Additionally, her collection of work was also named a 2024 Finalist for Poetry by Literary Global Awards, and a 2023 Finalist for the American Best Book Awards for both General Poetry category and Narrative Poetry category. The poems in this collection are a return to more classic styles of poetry, featuring both metered and free verse forms, but with a focus on modern themes for a completely "new retro" style of verse.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2024
17 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2024
-`♡´- (1) new mini review by eden !
͙͘͡★ a beautiful, powerful collection of poetry that delves into deep and difficult subjects. i loved the poet's style and how she tells the stories she wants to share through her words and verse. some of these poems stirred so much emotion within me that i could barely breathe and i just loved the journey this collection took me on. i love the way it was laid out and how we float through an abundance of dreams of all kinds: of love, loss, madness, racism, grief, passion, heartache and so much more.
just a truly beautiful read. i would 100000% recommend to anyone looking for a criminally underrated poetry collection to pick up !!
"𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥
𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰'𝒎 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒆
𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞
𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆" ₊˚⊹♡
͙͘͡★ a beautiful, powerful collection of poetry that delves into deep and difficult subjects. i loved the poet's style and how she tells the stories she wants to share through her words and verse. some of these poems stirred so much emotion within me that i could barely breathe and i just loved the journey this collection took me on. i love the way it was laid out and how we float through an abundance of dreams of all kinds: of love, loss, madness, racism, grief, passion, heartache and so much more.
just a truly beautiful read. i would 100000% recommend to anyone looking for a criminally underrated poetry collection to pick up !!
"𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥
𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰'𝒎 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒆
𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞
𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆" ₊˚⊹♡
June 15, 2024
“I’ll kidnap the shade of trees on the hottest day
And I’ll plunder the crash of waves from the stormiest seas. “
Five Dreams is a reclaiming poetry that not only touched my heart while engaging my mind but also resonated with those feelings that were buried deep inside my heart that I couldn’t feel for a long.
I very much loved this collection of Elizabeth Michaud, and I still couldn’t believe this was her debut work. I could see the level of perfection articulating through the words that she has expressed in each one of them.
Beautifully structured under 5 chapters, each chapter is a collection of kinds of human emotions that spread through love, struggle, and sorrow simultaneously. depicting our highs and lows, our beliefs and doubts.
The part that I loved the most about this poetry collection was the simplistic style that Elizabeth had chosen to use in her verses. This feels to be more inviting for a reader to look deeper within oneself and uncover your own truth.
I truly enjoyed every poem I read in this book. But at the same time, “Torn, Come Back, Quest, Too Little Too Late, and Rat” are the ones that I took closer into my heart as while I read them, I felt like I was looking at myself in the mirror.
The verses in each prose were not only soothing to read, but it also felt like the author was trying to give a gentle reminder that you deserve to be loved and have all the good feelings that you could accumulate. We need to recognize that we are not just a past and forgo the mistakes in the past as they are no longer our faults.
Five Dreams is not just a book, but it is an exploration of the human soul through the lens of an author, and it is a thought-provoking therapy that has been blended into a small book.
And I’ll plunder the crash of waves from the stormiest seas. “
Five Dreams is a reclaiming poetry that not only touched my heart while engaging my mind but also resonated with those feelings that were buried deep inside my heart that I couldn’t feel for a long.
I very much loved this collection of Elizabeth Michaud, and I still couldn’t believe this was her debut work. I could see the level of perfection articulating through the words that she has expressed in each one of them.
Beautifully structured under 5 chapters, each chapter is a collection of kinds of human emotions that spread through love, struggle, and sorrow simultaneously. depicting our highs and lows, our beliefs and doubts.
The part that I loved the most about this poetry collection was the simplistic style that Elizabeth had chosen to use in her verses. This feels to be more inviting for a reader to look deeper within oneself and uncover your own truth.
I truly enjoyed every poem I read in this book. But at the same time, “Torn, Come Back, Quest, Too Little Too Late, and Rat” are the ones that I took closer into my heart as while I read them, I felt like I was looking at myself in the mirror.
The verses in each prose were not only soothing to read, but it also felt like the author was trying to give a gentle reminder that you deserve to be loved and have all the good feelings that you could accumulate. We need to recognize that we are not just a past and forgo the mistakes in the past as they are no longer our faults.
Five Dreams is not just a book, but it is an exploration of the human soul through the lens of an author, and it is a thought-provoking therapy that has been blended into a small book.
September 27, 2024
Elizabeth Michaud's *Five Dreams* is a masterful debut collection that lingers in the mind like the last wisps of a dream before waking. This book, which won First Place for Best Contemporary Poetry in The BookFest Awards for Spring 2024, captivates readers with its poignant blend of the surreal, the tender, and the haunting. Michaud’s unique style draws on both classic poetic forms and modern themes, creating a "new retro" aesthetic that feels both timeless and fresh.
The poems in *Five Dreams* explore a wide range of emotions, from love and loss to fear and longing. Michaud’s narrative lyricism beautifully captures the delicate moments of life, infusing them with rich layers of meaning. Whether she’s weaving tales of whispered bedside prayers, ghostly apparitions, or love’s bittersweet intoxication, her words resonate deeply with readers. The poems have an air of mystery, where reality and dream blur, leaving you questioning where one ends and the other begins.
Michaud has a remarkable gift for combining social commentary with personal reflection. The blend of free verse and metered forms showcases her technical prowess while offering something for lovers of both traditional and modern poetry. Lines such as "take these reckless sighs I breathe / and this weakness in my knees" capture the raw vulnerability of love, while the foreboding chant of "she chants her words for all to hear / And one by one, they fall in fear" taps into the darker, more fearful aspects of human experience.
*Five Dreams* is an extraordinary collection that invites readers to explore the depths of their own emotions while also delving into the universal themes that connect us all. It’s a book that you’ll want to return to again and again, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and emotion.
For fans of contemporary poetry with a timeless feel, Michaud’s *Five Dreams* is a must-read. This collection doesn’t just offer poetic escapism; it leaves a lasting impression, one that haunts and comforts in equal measure.
Happy reading ❤️✨
August 1, 2024
Mysterious and intriguing!
Great storytelling poetry about love, pain and horror written in a way that is easy to understand. Unlike most poetry that are focused on love themes here you find also the dark side of the human emotions which makes it more real in my opinion. The poems have a mysterious feel pushing you to read further with curiousity. I found this book to be a fun read.
Great storytelling poetry about love, pain and horror written in a way that is easy to understand. Unlike most poetry that are focused on love themes here you find also the dark side of the human emotions which makes it more real in my opinion. The poems have a mysterious feel pushing you to read further with curiousity. I found this book to be a fun read.
January 22, 2024
Poems that successfully pull back the veil!
I really enjoyed reading Elizabeth Michaud’s Five Dreams. Lots of range, nicely spread out in eloquent, yet simple terms. If you like poems that create a lot of visualization with only the fewest choice words, then Five Dreams is for you. Highly recommend! Five Stars!
I really enjoyed reading Elizabeth Michaud’s Five Dreams. Lots of range, nicely spread out in eloquent, yet simple terms. If you like poems that create a lot of visualization with only the fewest choice words, then Five Dreams is for you. Highly recommend! Five Stars!
November 4, 2023
Absolutely loved this very powerful poetry!!!
July 29, 2025
3 stars...I enjoy a good book of poetry and this was a nice little palette cleanser from my usual genres. It was raw, emotional and real. Just what I need when I need a dose of reality. I think I picked this up from one of my free ebook websites and I finally took the time to read it. Yeah if you enjoy poetry I think you should give this a try.
October 22, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading Elizabeth Michaud’s Five Dreams. As many authors and poets do, they bare their souls when they write. It seems Elizbeth has done just that. She reached deep into the hidden chambers of her soul and pulled out a magnificent collection of her poems.
For me, I am not a poetic person but as I read each poem. I fell in love with the cadence of the poems. Each one weaved differently but each poem was captivating. Elizabeth’s magic is her ability to whisp out one sentence ever so delicately and have you longing for the next sentence and the next sentence.
I love how the poems are broken down into five categories. It tells a lot about Elizabeth and her mastery of poems. I loved how raw and honest “Infatuation”, and “Torn” were. I found “Come Back” to be simple but still powerful. I was whisked away with “A Book, a Tome, and an Escapade.” As I read “Old Tree” and “Old Tree Begs Forgiveness” a grin comes over my face. The grin is from recognizing the unique creativity Elizabeth put in the poems. The two poems carry a deep topic, but I love how the two poems battle each other. It is masterful work if I do say so myself. Elizabeth does this several times in her book of wonderful poems. I truly loved “Love Travels On, Part One: Her” and “Love Travels On, Part Two: Him.” It really shows two people seeing the same things but viewing things differently. This complex duality in her writing to me is flat-out captivating. It has me longing for more. I found “Too Little, Too Late” to be one of the most honest poems that I have ever read. The poem, “The Grief of Ghosts” just makes you wonder in fascination and question is there a supernatural world or not.
Some of Elizabeth’s poems tackle relationships, while others tackle challenges in society. I love the mix of the poems. There are 110 pages of poems in Five Dreams. I can honestly say every single one of them was quite enjoyable. I tip my hat to Elizabeth the weaver of poems. If you like poems this is a must.
For me, I am not a poetic person but as I read each poem. I fell in love with the cadence of the poems. Each one weaved differently but each poem was captivating. Elizabeth’s magic is her ability to whisp out one sentence ever so delicately and have you longing for the next sentence and the next sentence.
I love how the poems are broken down into five categories. It tells a lot about Elizabeth and her mastery of poems. I loved how raw and honest “Infatuation”, and “Torn” were. I found “Come Back” to be simple but still powerful. I was whisked away with “A Book, a Tome, and an Escapade.” As I read “Old Tree” and “Old Tree Begs Forgiveness” a grin comes over my face. The grin is from recognizing the unique creativity Elizabeth put in the poems. The two poems carry a deep topic, but I love how the two poems battle each other. It is masterful work if I do say so myself. Elizabeth does this several times in her book of wonderful poems. I truly loved “Love Travels On, Part One: Her” and “Love Travels On, Part Two: Him.” It really shows two people seeing the same things but viewing things differently. This complex duality in her writing to me is flat-out captivating. It has me longing for more. I found “Too Little, Too Late” to be one of the most honest poems that I have ever read. The poem, “The Grief of Ghosts” just makes you wonder in fascination and question is there a supernatural world or not.
Some of Elizabeth’s poems tackle relationships, while others tackle challenges in society. I love the mix of the poems. There are 110 pages of poems in Five Dreams. I can honestly say every single one of them was quite enjoyable. I tip my hat to Elizabeth the weaver of poems. If you like poems this is a must.
October 18, 2023
This collection of poetry is simply astounding. Expressing a wide range of emotions through words, the author leads us through love, loss, darkness, and light. With simple words, the author strings us along for the ride. My favorite has got to be Stop Toying With Me, which captures exactly what it feels like to be expecting someone’s arrival.
It is a delightful work filled with original, unique verses. If you like to read pensive poetry written from a female perspective on life, you will love this collection of poetry.
It is a delightful work filled with original, unique verses. If you like to read pensive poetry written from a female perspective on life, you will love this collection of poetry.
December 5, 2023
A quick but deep dive into the depth of a gifted writer’s consciousness, this collection of poems touches the mind, spirit and soul. Elizabeth Michaud brings light and darkness into her writing, leaving the reader absorbed in its lyrical shadows.
My favorite of the collection is “Put Flowers on my Grave.” Such beautiful and heartfelt words.
I hope Michaud’s book is the first of many to come.
My favorite of the collection is “Put Flowers on my Grave.” Such beautiful and heartfelt words.
I hope Michaud’s book is the first of many to come.
December 12, 2023
Captivating Verses
"I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in Elizabeth Michaud's debut collection, 'Five Dreams,' and it's nothing short of a poetic marvel. Michaud's ability to weave narrative lyricism with keen social commentary and observational prowess creates an enchanting tapestry of emotions and stories. The book, divided into different 'dream sets,' explores themes of love, sorrow, dualities in nature, miscellaneous topics, and horror. What struck me most was the return to classic forms of poetry—free verse and rhyming verses—which, in today's modern poetry landscape, felt like a breath of fresh air. Michaud's work is a testament to the beauty found in simplicity, offering a range of emotions from love and humor to anger and sorrow.
Each poem in 'Five Dreams' is like a whispered bedside prayer, a love potion, or a campfire cautionary tale that lingers in your mind. The categorization into different dream sets adds depth and structure to the collection, showcasing Michaud's mastery of various poetic forms. The interplay of themes, from the haunting 'Sightless' to the relatable humor in 'Faculty Meeting,' speaks to the author's versatility and skill in capturing the nuances of the human experience. Michaud's blend of original, unique verses and a broad spectrum of emotions creates a collection that is not only accessible but also deeply impactful.
The imagery of stealing the glow of the moon in 'Sightless', kidnapping the shade of trees, and plundering the crash of waves to prove one's love is both powerful and romantic. It's a testament to Michaud's ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity. This depth and beauty in the poetry are what I enjoyed the most about 'Five Dreams.' It's a heartfelt and emotional journey that offers a range of experiences, making it a book I'd gladly revisit.
In conclusion, 'Five Dreams' is a gem for poetry enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the timeless art of storytelling through verse. The book's combination of originality, emotional depth, and variety of themes makes it a compelling read. I wholeheartedly recommend 'Five Dreams' to those who seek poetry that is both accessible and impactful, and to anyone looking to explore the profound beauty found in the simplicity of well-crafted verses. Elizabeth Michaud has truly crafted a collection that deserves a special place in the heart of poetry lovers."
"I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in Elizabeth Michaud's debut collection, 'Five Dreams,' and it's nothing short of a poetic marvel. Michaud's ability to weave narrative lyricism with keen social commentary and observational prowess creates an enchanting tapestry of emotions and stories. The book, divided into different 'dream sets,' explores themes of love, sorrow, dualities in nature, miscellaneous topics, and horror. What struck me most was the return to classic forms of poetry—free verse and rhyming verses—which, in today's modern poetry landscape, felt like a breath of fresh air. Michaud's work is a testament to the beauty found in simplicity, offering a range of emotions from love and humor to anger and sorrow.
Each poem in 'Five Dreams' is like a whispered bedside prayer, a love potion, or a campfire cautionary tale that lingers in your mind. The categorization into different dream sets adds depth and structure to the collection, showcasing Michaud's mastery of various poetic forms. The interplay of themes, from the haunting 'Sightless' to the relatable humor in 'Faculty Meeting,' speaks to the author's versatility and skill in capturing the nuances of the human experience. Michaud's blend of original, unique verses and a broad spectrum of emotions creates a collection that is not only accessible but also deeply impactful.
The imagery of stealing the glow of the moon in 'Sightless', kidnapping the shade of trees, and plundering the crash of waves to prove one's love is both powerful and romantic. It's a testament to Michaud's ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity. This depth and beauty in the poetry are what I enjoyed the most about 'Five Dreams.' It's a heartfelt and emotional journey that offers a range of experiences, making it a book I'd gladly revisit.
In conclusion, 'Five Dreams' is a gem for poetry enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the timeless art of storytelling through verse. The book's combination of originality, emotional depth, and variety of themes makes it a compelling read. I wholeheartedly recommend 'Five Dreams' to those who seek poetry that is both accessible and impactful, and to anyone looking to explore the profound beauty found in the simplicity of well-crafted verses. Elizabeth Michaud has truly crafted a collection that deserves a special place in the heart of poetry lovers."
September 28, 2025
This author writes eloquently and beautifully. Some of the poems in this collection are very sensual while others delve into deeper themes of angsty love and loss of life. Below is one poem from this collection that I very much enjoyed 👇
“In this lifetime and into the next
I'll write a thousand words of sadness
scribble a hundred verses of regret
sing a million songs of anguish
and spill countless tears of remorse
I'll imagine infinite dreams of sorrow
breathe endless sighs of discontent
ponder a billon thoughts of woe in this lifetime
and into the next
and in all these things I'll wish
I never let you go”
“In this lifetime and into the next
I'll write a thousand words of sadness
scribble a hundred verses of regret
sing a million songs of anguish
and spill countless tears of remorse
I'll imagine infinite dreams of sorrow
breathe endless sighs of discontent
ponder a billon thoughts of woe in this lifetime
and into the next
and in all these things I'll wish
I never let you go”
July 27, 2024
Wonderful Poetry!
When I first began to read Five Dreams, it sent my mind twenty five years into my past and a bookstore poetry reading! Oh how I used to enjoy going to evening poetry readings, and I enjoyed Ms. Michaud’s poetry just as much. She did a wonderful job of giving the reader a full experience of the range of emotions conveyed through her works. I also enjoyed the dance of the rhythms of her words. This body of writings will be an enjoyable experience I look forward to repeating!
When I first began to read Five Dreams, it sent my mind twenty five years into my past and a bookstore poetry reading! Oh how I used to enjoy going to evening poetry readings, and I enjoyed Ms. Michaud’s poetry just as much. She did a wonderful job of giving the reader a full experience of the range of emotions conveyed through her works. I also enjoyed the dance of the rhythms of her words. This body of writings will be an enjoyable experience I look forward to repeating!
June 7, 2024
powerful words, enchantingly written
You know it’s a great book of poetry when you shed a tear for one poem and chuckle at another. She’s immensely talented. The word choice and the movement were impactful to read. I could feel her pain, her torment, her ridicule, her amusement. It was all there with such variety of poems she offered. I will go back and read her work time and again. I was particularly captivated by her love poems.
You know it’s a great book of poetry when you shed a tear for one poem and chuckle at another. She’s immensely talented. The word choice and the movement were impactful to read. I could feel her pain, her torment, her ridicule, her amusement. It was all there with such variety of poems she offered. I will go back and read her work time and again. I was particularly captivated by her love poems.
August 8, 2024
More than poetry!
Reading this, I began to realize it’s more than poetry. A true collection of poems that describe a journey through life, ‘Love, loss, fear, regrets, pain and death’. It also generates a collection of beauty and sadness, which Michaud ties in a most profound way in her depiction of the tree and the grave. Reading this poetry was a journey through time, the stars, terror and the soul.
Reading this, I began to realize it’s more than poetry. A true collection of poems that describe a journey through life, ‘Love, loss, fear, regrets, pain and death’. It also generates a collection of beauty and sadness, which Michaud ties in a most profound way in her depiction of the tree and the grave. Reading this poetry was a journey through time, the stars, terror and the soul.
May 21, 2024
Simple, yet creative collection of poems
“Five Dreams” is a collection of poems casting a wide net over the human experience. Written in varied styles, the themes were relatable and beautifully simplistic. A journey of which we’ve all traveled, sensations and emotions described as if we can relive it through her words.
Recommended for all lovers of poetry.
“Five Dreams” is a collection of poems casting a wide net over the human experience. Written in varied styles, the themes were relatable and beautifully simplistic. A journey of which we’ve all traveled, sensations and emotions described as if we can relive it through her words.
Recommended for all lovers of poetry.
March 18, 2024
Poems for dreamers
I like how poems represent each dreams set. The love, horror, sorrow etc makes book interesting. I was never good at poetry, but others are gifted such as the author. I would like to try to write poetry. But I'll stick to fiction. Great work.
I like how poems represent each dreams set. The love, horror, sorrow etc makes book interesting. I was never good at poetry, but others are gifted such as the author. I would like to try to write poetry. But I'll stick to fiction. Great work.
March 31, 2024
it a beautiful book of poetry
I really enjoyed this moving book of poetry. The author poured so many emotions out on its pages, it’s hard for me to pick a favorite. But I will, I especially loved “As Sting is my Wirness.”
I really enjoyed this moving book of poetry. The author poured so many emotions out on its pages, it’s hard for me to pick a favorite. But I will, I especially loved “As Sting is my Wirness.”
January 13, 2025
Sexy, Visceral and Darkly Erotic.
This was the most captivating, sultry and powerful book of poems that I can remember. The words are dark, seductive and crafted for maximum impact. I loved it!
This was the most captivating, sultry and powerful book of poems that I can remember. The words are dark, seductive and crafted for maximum impact. I loved it!
March 22, 2024
Deep Meeaningful and Soulful
From start to finish, this collection of poetry feels deep and meaningful. I enjoyed every word that I read. Thank you for the great read.
From start to finish, this collection of poetry feels deep and meaningful. I enjoyed every word that I read. Thank you for the great read.
January 22, 2025
A must-read book for book lovers!!!
August 10, 2024
Dreams are more real than reality—this has opened me up to a different perspective entirely true
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews