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Broken Flowers
“And you will go on / searching for the best of you / and you will never find it, / but that is the point.” This stunning collection of poems asks readers to keep on seeking – the journey is the destination.
In this fifth installment from Robert M. Drake, the poet meditates on the subtle beauty of brokenness.
In this fifth installment from Robert M. Drake, the poet meditates on the subtle beauty of brokenness.
416 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 27, 2017
"I Used to Love You" by R.M. Drake
And I loved you
for the way you wrote music on my skin.
And you loved me
for the way I played the strings on your hair,
and together we made love in such a way
that artists do
when they create their works of art.
But in the end, none of that mattered,
for you were just another music lover,
and I
was just another one of your songs.
March 25, 2017
Have you ever felt that you are sad without any reason ? Have you ever felt that you want to say something but you don't know how ? Have you ever felt a complicated mess inside you but you can't share it with someone? Have you ever !? Have you?!
This book gave me all the words that I cannot say , gave me the memories from some situation that's been misunderstood all because of some few words.
Yes , words can say a lot. Can break hearts or give life to people.
''And because sometimes that book has your story and because sometimes you have to believe in others . That's the power of art'' -#Robert.M.Drake
Finally I don't know if this my review for this book or Because of what I have been through in life , but 100% I recommend this book to all words , poems lovers
Note # words can say a lot but after all cannot be proven without actions !
This book gave me all the words that I cannot say , gave me the memories from some situation that's been misunderstood all because of some few words.
Yes , words can say a lot. Can break hearts or give life to people.
''And because sometimes that book has your story and because sometimes you have to believe in others . That's the power of art'' -#Robert.M.Drake
Finally I don't know if this my review for this book or Because of what I have been through in life , but 100% I recommend this book to all words , poems lovers
Note # words can say a lot but after all cannot be proven without actions !
November 28, 2016
I bought this book on paper, which I don't often do, but I needed to feel it, and smell it and absorb it like a good friendship. I needed to see those words and write liner notes in the margins as if having a conversation, an argument or a debate. Every page is it's own day, it's own emotion; almost breathing a life and bringing all of these people and memories back to me as if I'm being spoken to by ghosts of my own past.
August 26, 2022
Oof. I hate giving poetry one star... because its essentially just someones experience in prose... BUT...
I think I just read the same poem 385 times in a row. I feel like this person could be a good writer... but they aren't really trying to be. These feel shallow and cliche, like he threw some words on paper in about 5 minutes... and was like "YES!! MASTERPIECE!"
I just want to ask this person..."Okay but, What do you really feel? What do you really think about?" We don't need 385 shallow and honestly insubstantial poems. We want 20 really profound poems that you actually took time and effort to write. We don't need another 'night' metaphor... or sun, ocean, sky, light, rain... I want you to bring something new to the table. Make me actually THINK about something in a new way. I guess this would be okay for someone in high school because there really isn't a difficult level of interpretation here, but I honestly think even they might get bored reading it.
I think I just read the same poem 385 times in a row. I feel like this person could be a good writer... but they aren't really trying to be. These feel shallow and cliche, like he threw some words on paper in about 5 minutes... and was like "YES!! MASTERPIECE!"
I just want to ask this person..."Okay but, What do you really feel? What do you really think about?" We don't need 385 shallow and honestly insubstantial poems. We want 20 really profound poems that you actually took time and effort to write. We don't need another 'night' metaphor... or sun, ocean, sky, light, rain... I want you to bring something new to the table. Make me actually THINK about something in a new way. I guess this would be okay for someone in high school because there really isn't a difficult level of interpretation here, but I honestly think even they might get bored reading it.
February 7, 2017
3.25 out of 5 stars
March 12, 2019
The poems are so-so. The editing is shoddy, several grammar and spelling mistakes, plus the page numbers don't add up and a whole section of the book is repeated at the end, pictures and all.
And I still don't like those guys who think poetry is waxing on about some chick and putting in pictures of pretty ladies (who are always white, able-bodied and scantily clad).
Poems are really basic. I, Me, They, and lots of "love this", "life that", a spoonful of social justice issues, and a weird poem about aliens, flying pyramids and social programming.
Libraries include some weeeeird shit...
And I still don't like those guys who think poetry is waxing on about some chick and putting in pictures of pretty ladies (who are always white, able-bodied and scantily clad).
Poems are really basic. I, Me, They, and lots of "love this", "life that", a spoonful of social justice issues, and a weird poem about aliens, flying pyramids and social programming.
Libraries include some weeeeird shit...
March 22, 2017
Reviewing poetry is so hard, because each piece will be different for each person reading it. What resonates with one person might not be the same for someone else. I've wanted to pick up one of Robert Drake's collections for a while, and I'll be honest and say it was the covers that first caught my attention (they're all gorgeous). Last time I was browsing the poetry section, I picked this one up and flipped through a few to see if it was something I might like, and I thought it was 50/50, but worth a shot. Unfortunately, this one wasn't great for me. I liked it, and I will absolutely be picking up more of Drake's collections, but I was a little underwhelmed by Broken Flowers.
It was a bit repetitive (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), but one thing about it started to annoy me fairly quickly: so many poems that began with "and." I know, it's probably a really stupid complaint, but for me it was irritating after a while. About 3/4 through, some of the poems were giving me deja vu because they were similar to early ones. Again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I wasn't loving it.
Despite the fact that this isn't a collection I loved, I have a ton of sticky tabs marking pieces I really liked. Some of the poems in this collection really struck a chord with me. Overall, I think it was a good collection, but not a favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to reading some of Drake's older work, and also checking out the upcoming novel, Gravity.
It was a bit repetitive (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), but one thing about it started to annoy me fairly quickly: so many poems that began with "and." I know, it's probably a really stupid complaint, but for me it was irritating after a while. About 3/4 through, some of the poems were giving me deja vu because they were similar to early ones. Again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I wasn't loving it.
Despite the fact that this isn't a collection I loved, I have a ton of sticky tabs marking pieces I really liked. Some of the poems in this collection really struck a chord with me. Overall, I think it was a good collection, but not a favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to reading some of Drake's older work, and also checking out the upcoming novel, Gravity.
June 30, 2019
Not absolutely disappointing. There were certainly some lines and even entire poems that really spoke to me and stuck out as intriguing and stirring.
But, mostly, it really wasn't for me. I felt like the imagery wasn't quite vivid enough, the words weren't gripping enough, and I ended up not altogether impressed or moved by much of it, which is usually my goal for poetry: I'm looking to be moved.
While it's not the worst I've read, it's also not really engaging for me. Some of the formatting is too much like prose, which really threw me. I imagine that some may really enjoy the poems contained in this collection; like art, it's not going to appeal to absolutely everybody.
But, mostly, it really wasn't for me. I felt like the imagery wasn't quite vivid enough, the words weren't gripping enough, and I ended up not altogether impressed or moved by much of it, which is usually my goal for poetry: I'm looking to be moved.
While it's not the worst I've read, it's also not really engaging for me. Some of the formatting is too much like prose, which really threw me. I imagine that some may really enjoy the poems contained in this collection; like art, it's not going to appeal to absolutely everybody.
August 1, 2017
I didn't care too much for this book. The poems weren't deep enough for me. Most of them were things that would cross any normal person's mind about something. Very few of them made me stop and think, and none of them "wowed" me.
November 1, 2017
Very bad
April 12, 2024
not all were great, as is to be expected. but so many of these poems spoke to me on a deep level, reminded me of things I'd forgotten, encouraged me, or said exactly what I feel and have been unable to put into words myself. in this dark time in my life, r.m. drake has put a little light to lead me out.
May 22, 2017
His poetry spoke the words of my soul it has been seeking to express. I'm so thankful I was read it and that he shared his vulnerability to the world! 🙌🏽
June 9, 2017
Beautiful poetry. A lot of it spoke to my heart.
April 4, 2024
Amazing poems and majority of them I can relate to. It would have been five stars, but the poems started getting political near the end of the book. Still highly recommend.
September 2, 2023
The first time I read this I gave it 2 stars. This time I gave it 4 stars. First time I couldn't find a thing to highlight or underline. This time the book is filled with highlights and underlines and tabs.
November 29, 2016
its therapeutic as it is motivating, hopeful & consoling
February 16, 2017
One of the hardest things
to do in the world,
to convince our minds
the doings of our hearts,
and trying to explain
to one another
why the other exists.
to do in the world,
to convince our minds
the doings of our hearts,
and trying to explain
to one another
why the other exists.
May 25, 2017
One of the most amazing poetry books I have ever read!
May 11, 2018
dnf @ 32%
April 5, 2021
Extremely cliche, boring, amateur poetry. Waste of time.
November 27, 2022
(2.5) Starting a "poem" with "And" doesn't make it an extraordinary piece of literature.
June 8, 2017
"You lost her
and it wasn't because she was hard to hold,
or love,
or touch,
but because she was made of your absence,
of all the things you ignored
and all of the beautiful poetry
you read but failed to understand."
A year or so ago, I read my first Robert M. Drake book, Beautiful Chaos, and immediately fell in love with his writing. After I put the book down, I didn't hesitate to buy every other book of his and a signed poem to hang in my room. Broken Flowers is the fourth book I have read by Robert M. Drake.
This book, like all of his others, has an extremely pleasing cover and amazing artwork to fill the pages. Each poem is uniquely titled with words that are just as poetic as the poem itself. The poems in this book are longer than others of his I have read, averaging around a full page. If you enjoy quick reads, Drake's poems are the perfect works for you. I pick up Drake's books between finishing and starting novels to give me a break from lengthy chapters. Although, because of the length of the pieces, his poetry is not very detailed. This could be a pro or con according to the style of writing that you like. Personally, I have recently gotten into very descriptive poetry, so reading through 40+ of these poems in one sitting could become boring.
After reading several of his books, you realize that the topics his poetry is centered around never change. It's always the same old subjects: being in love, heartbreak, recovering from heartbreak, society, current events, and his thoughts on the government. Reading his books back-to-back makes you feel like you have been holding the same book the entire time. This is why I recommend these books as a break from other works you are currently reading. Although, I will never grow tired of reading the poems where he speaks of a "she" who embodies strength, courage, and love among other great qualities; those poems are my favorite poems by him.
Also, the broad spectrum of his poems are becoming a problem for me. It seems that only the heartbreaking poems about his brother's death show what deeply affects him. I would love to dive deeper into his best moments with the love of his life and hear about what he did in the days following his worst breakup. I want to get to know him. I want him to get incredibly personal with us. I feel like he writes about something general, trying to connect to all possible readers of this book but never trying to connect to himself.
I put page markers on all of the poems I like in every poetry book I read (something I picked up from watching my mother place index cards on the pages of recipes she liked in her cookbooks). For Broken Flowers, I marked 61 poems.
I give Broken Flowers 4 stars, although it is closer to 3.5 stars. I will never get enough of the beautiful artwork and how easy it is to read, even though the topics are repetitive and extensive. I do intend to buy Robert M. Drake's new book, Gravity and write a review on it as well.
and it wasn't because she was hard to hold,
or love,
or touch,
but because she was made of your absence,
of all the things you ignored
and all of the beautiful poetry
you read but failed to understand."
- "Too Hard to Understand", Broken Flowers
A year or so ago, I read my first Robert M. Drake book, Beautiful Chaos, and immediately fell in love with his writing. After I put the book down, I didn't hesitate to buy every other book of his and a signed poem to hang in my room. Broken Flowers is the fourth book I have read by Robert M. Drake.
This book, like all of his others, has an extremely pleasing cover and amazing artwork to fill the pages. Each poem is uniquely titled with words that are just as poetic as the poem itself. The poems in this book are longer than others of his I have read, averaging around a full page. If you enjoy quick reads, Drake's poems are the perfect works for you. I pick up Drake's books between finishing and starting novels to give me a break from lengthy chapters. Although, because of the length of the pieces, his poetry is not very detailed. This could be a pro or con according to the style of writing that you like. Personally, I have recently gotten into very descriptive poetry, so reading through 40+ of these poems in one sitting could become boring.
After reading several of his books, you realize that the topics his poetry is centered around never change. It's always the same old subjects: being in love, heartbreak, recovering from heartbreak, society, current events, and his thoughts on the government. Reading his books back-to-back makes you feel like you have been holding the same book the entire time. This is why I recommend these books as a break from other works you are currently reading. Although, I will never grow tired of reading the poems where he speaks of a "she" who embodies strength, courage, and love among other great qualities; those poems are my favorite poems by him.
Also, the broad spectrum of his poems are becoming a problem for me. It seems that only the heartbreaking poems about his brother's death show what deeply affects him. I would love to dive deeper into his best moments with the love of his life and hear about what he did in the days following his worst breakup. I want to get to know him. I want him to get incredibly personal with us. I feel like he writes about something general, trying to connect to all possible readers of this book but never trying to connect to himself.
I put page markers on all of the poems I like in every poetry book I read (something I picked up from watching my mother place index cards on the pages of recipes she liked in her cookbooks). For Broken Flowers, I marked 61 poems.
I give Broken Flowers 4 stars, although it is closer to 3.5 stars. I will never get enough of the beautiful artwork and how easy it is to read, even though the topics are repetitive and extensive. I do intend to buy Robert M. Drake's new book, Gravity and write a review on it as well.
- k.h
April 14, 2022
Drake is one of those poets that makes you think of middle school angst. This collection of poems talks about the beauty of brokenness and being broken. As a writer myself, whenever I need inspiration, I read this book again. I have read this one cover to cover at least 5-6 times. There is so much that can be written about pain and suffering, and there are so many ways to discuss the beauty of it all. Most of these poems are about love and heartbreak, which is a classic topic when discussing the trials of life. The poems are written in the first person, which adds another layer of richness to these poems. The audience can read these and feel these emotions personally, putting themselves in these situations. Drake writes in a way that even though you couldn't relate to something before, his words are so inclusive that you can relate afterward. My favorite in this collection is " I Forgive You, My Love": "And I forgive you for everything/you did not do./It was not your fault./You did not know how to be good,/how to love./You did not know anything/about people or the way they/carried themselves/when they were hurt./I forgive you. (p.191)"
September 21, 2019
What a lucky day it was at Barns in Noble, I walked my happy kinda sad self over to the poetry section and picked up the only book not on the shelf correctly, it was propped up facing me, like the universe wanted me to find it. I read the dedication and a page or two and immediately was like ok I don’t care if this book is expensive I’m buying it right now. I got a drink from the cafe went outside and laughed and cried to myself in one of those patio chairs barnes and noble has looking like some crazy girl. This book is everything I feel put into words. I have someone I love and let go of, and eventually plan on finding my way back to, I think about this person every damn day, multiple times a day. Every poem is this person to me. This book found me at the perfect time too. I can’t thank the universe enough! Or that lovely stranger who left it out for someone like me to come along and find it :)
May 3, 2018
I’m in a reading slump so my rating might be a bit biased and why it took me this long to finish this book. R m drake is one of my all time favorite writers and this is the 4th book that I read by him. I enjoyed most of this but it wasn’t my favorite compared to the ones I read before. However, I’m so happy I picked up this book to “cure” my reading slump. I hope now I can go back to reading.
Robert m drake writings touches a lot of things we all feel however interpret differently and I think that’s the beauty of his writing. Thank you Robert m drake for sharing this with us.
Robert m drake writings touches a lot of things we all feel however interpret differently and I think that’s the beauty of his writing. Thank you Robert m drake for sharing this with us.
December 19, 2016
4.5/5 stars. Definitely a super strong collection of poetry and I look forward to reading more by this author since I know he has quite a few collections out. I tabbed a lot of the poems and underlines a lot of quotes but only about 5 poems out of like the 300 in this book really resonated with me and made me be like HELL YEAH THIS IS GREAT. I highly recommend this though it was so good just not the best collection I have ever read.
December 24, 2017
This is my first book of poetry by R.M Drake and I absolutely love it. He's had me hooked on his work since i found his instagram page. His poems just really speak to me and make me think. His way of wording this just really make you stop and realize, like damn this is the shit I do. I even send some snippets of his work to my friend and it gets to her too. If you like poetry go for it. Get this book and read it.
January 2, 2018
4.25
I definitely felt so many things while reading these poems. I felt understood, hurt, connection,love, hope, sadness at the truth and at times like the poems spoke to me.
I had to read this slowly because so many poems made me tear up and think about the past. With that being said the only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars was because some of the poems became repetitive in their subject matter but overall a great collection and I will be picking up more by this author.
I definitely felt so many things while reading these poems. I felt understood, hurt, connection,love, hope, sadness at the truth and at times like the poems spoke to me.
I had to read this slowly because so many poems made me tear up and think about the past. With that being said the only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars was because some of the poems became repetitive in their subject matter but overall a great collection and I will be picking up more by this author.
September 1, 2021
And sometimes
the one who left you broken returns.
And sometimes
they are different and sometimes
they show you how much they've changed.
And that alone might be one of the greatest things in the world...
to have someone you once cared about
go through the trouble of finding you,
just to tell you how much they still care.
Robert M. Drake - The Return
the one who left you broken returns.
And sometimes
they are different and sometimes
they show you how much they've changed.
And that alone might be one of the greatest things in the world...
to have someone you once cared about
go through the trouble of finding you,
just to tell you how much they still care.
Robert M. Drake - The Return
April 16, 2019
This was one of the first books I bought from the author after following his Instagram for a few years. I love the way he writes and how his words flow and speak to me. This author is probably my favorite! I am in the process of reading all his books 😅!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews