The Silence Before Dawn

by Henry Martin

The Silence Before Dawn is an avant-garde collection of
73 poems compiled within five categories:

Relationships: Reflections upon love, fragile feelings, and the pain that comes with loving.

Thoughts: A look into the poet’s soul, where anything goes.

Confessions of a Troubled Soul: Deepest desires and simple reflections, mainly the product of the poet’s twisted mind.

Tickling the Surreal: Welcome to the border of reality . . .
a personal outlook at our surroundings.

The Noise After Sunrise: Revisiting places that touched the poet’s soul, and a look at the brighter side the rising sun reveals.

Genres: Poetry

106 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Henry Martin used to write fiction and poetry, which predominately deals with the often-overlooked aspects of humanity.

He is the author of three novels: Escaping Barcelona, Finding Eivissa, and Eluding Reality; a short story collection, Coffee, Cigarettes, and Murderous Thoughts; and a poetry collection, The Silence Before Dawn. His most recent published project is a collection of Photostories in five volumes under the KSHM Project umbrella, for which he collaborated with Australian photographer Karl Strand, combining one of a kind images with short stories and vignettes.

He is currently not working on any new writing, and does not anticipate any new writing in the future.

Reviews

[Roberta Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to read an ARC of Mr. Martin’s poetry was a real treat. Of course, for those following my reviews, my love affair with Mr. Martin’s Mad Days of Me trilogy is notorious [and I was thrilled to find the voice of Rudy – or at least the experiences that informed that character – once again, in some pieces in this collection].

The Silence Before Dawn is avant-garde. Punctuation is all but nonexistent, lines running together without breath; one poem unrelentingly pushing into the next. I read it as if it were a novel, devouring the story arc . . . and then had to go back to re-read and absorb. Even still, this collection left too many images in my head that I’m still sorting through, leaving me at a loss to give them coherent expression, for within The Silence is madness.

The poet’s thoughts are sometimes broken – but in a most deliberate and intriguing fashion. It is the shattered voice of the young man seeking love and peace, never quite content. Never quite finding his footing. Hope is expressed – then abruptly stabbed with some shard of despair. Love, sex, betrayal, sacrifice all pile on the shifting of light and dark, in an outpouring of [sometimes surrealistic] angst.

Mr. Martin’s dizzying ability to elevate and humble at the same time is what emerges from the noise . . . that is, even while these poems touch on quietude, they still scream. And remind the reader that humans are both loathsome and marvellous.

For my random thoughts on writing, visit my blog.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin's poetry book is a refreshing take on free verse. Although the book is divided into different sections, some of the poems could fit into more than one section. Those familiar with Martin's Mad Days of Me trilogy will indeed find some of the poems reminiscent of the main character. The selection brings enigmatic poetry, which should read aloud, to absorb and feel the eloquence of the emotions the author is trying to convey. The "Relationships" section expresses love and desire but in a subtle and not forceful way, like a shy young man not yet sure of his emotions, but full of passion and desire. For example, one of my favorites, Still Needing You, reads:
“I don’t need you anymore!”
though I still want to be
forever
with you

"Shame" was also one of my favorites. In fact, there are several favorites in each of the sections. In the Noise After Sunrise, several of the poems talk about places where he has lived, and are artfully described, evoking images full of wonder, longing, certain nostalgia even. At times, the free style and broken thoughts reminded me of Plath's poems. Excellent poetry book, for poetry lovers. Highly recommend.

[Michelle Domangue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book in the goodreads giveaway in exchange for a review. I had a hard time relating to the poetry in this book but it was an interesting read. Maybe I wasn't in the right mental state to understand the feelings of the author. I plan on rereading the poems at a later time to see how they strike me then. I find that I am not always touched by poetry until I read it at a different time.

[Christine Hayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I purchased the poetry book “the Silence Before Dawn” by Henry Martin. I do not know the author personally and have had only encounters with him on the Goodreads site. I had no communication with him at any time about this book. The comments that follow are my own personal opinion. I received NO compensated of any kind, or from any one, to provide this review.

I enjoy contemporary poetry. I have developed a taste for the art form over the past few years. This book was very different from the poetry I normally read.

I felt I was reading a depressed youth in some poems, a cynical realist in others, the emotional joy in a select few, and the curious inquisition in many. I read the book three times and found tremendous diversity among the works. This book showcased a thoughtful and masterful poet. Among my favorite poems were “A Day in The Park” “Without a Chance” “Roro” “The Mother of My Child” – I found they resonated with me. There were some I did not care for and found very disturbing and dark.

I have given this book 4 stars overall. I found the constant reference to mirrors a bit redundant and there were lines that echoed in several of the poems. Other than these trivial issues, the book was excellent.

I would strongly suggest every one read this book. I’m sure every reader will take different emotions away from this very impressive and diverse poetry.