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Planting Gardens in Graves II
From the beloved author of Whiskey, Words, and a Shovel comes the second volume in his newest series.
r.h. Sin continues his bestselling series with Planting Gardens in Graves II, another powerful collection of poetry that hones in on the themes dearest to his readers. This series celebrates connection, mourns heartbreak, and above all, empowers its readers to seek the love they deserve.
r.h. Sin continues his bestselling series with Planting Gardens in Graves II, another powerful collection of poetry that hones in on the themes dearest to his readers. This series celebrates connection, mourns heartbreak, and above all, empowers its readers to seek the love they deserve.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2018
44 people are currently reading
2948 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 5, 2018
"You’ll make it
You always do
You’re the girl
Who tames
The flames
You’re the girl
Who always survives"
Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
My first ever poetry book by R.H. Sin! Was super excited to get to read this book early. I really enjoyed the collection of poems. I ended up liking quite a few of them. Maybe not a favorite poetry book but loved it all the same. Definitely worth the read!
|| Blog || Instagram ||
March 14, 2019
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I think this is going to be the end of my journey through r.h. Sin’s work. It really is just not for me. I enjoyed the first few collections I read by him and was quite hopeful, but as I read the others, things went downhill. To be honest, I feel as though I am reading the exact same collection of poetry over and over again when it comes to his books. Not only are the topics repetitive, I swear there are some poems that are the same but worded slightly differently. That is the overall feeling that this collection gives.
It is very clear that Sin definitely has a talent for writing as his words tend to be quite beautiful. But the style he writes in pulls one’s attention away from that. His poetry can be hard to get into because they are quite choppy. It is not entirely clear why he cuts off lines where he does as there is no real powerful, emotional effect that comes from it. This causes me to become disconnected from the words and meaning, therefore taking away a lot of the desired impact.
As I have said in the past, it is nice to see a man writing poetry that speaks on the strength and beauty of women and does make an attempt at promoting equality. However, what bothers me is that there is still this feeling I get with some of his poems that he is portraying us more as an object or possession rather than as a human. That slight arrogance also remains, as he writes about how terrible all other men are and implies he is the only one worthy of being with a woman. I apologize if this review sounds like I am ranting in any way—it is absolutely not intended to offend or to criticize the author as a person. Both his writing and his treatment of subject matter just really rub me the wrong way.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I think this is going to be the end of my journey through r.h. Sin’s work. It really is just not for me. I enjoyed the first few collections I read by him and was quite hopeful, but as I read the others, things went downhill. To be honest, I feel as though I am reading the exact same collection of poetry over and over again when it comes to his books. Not only are the topics repetitive, I swear there are some poems that are the same but worded slightly differently. That is the overall feeling that this collection gives.
It is very clear that Sin definitely has a talent for writing as his words tend to be quite beautiful. But the style he writes in pulls one’s attention away from that. His poetry can be hard to get into because they are quite choppy. It is not entirely clear why he cuts off lines where he does as there is no real powerful, emotional effect that comes from it. This causes me to become disconnected from the words and meaning, therefore taking away a lot of the desired impact.
As I have said in the past, it is nice to see a man writing poetry that speaks on the strength and beauty of women and does make an attempt at promoting equality. However, what bothers me is that there is still this feeling I get with some of his poems that he is portraying us more as an object or possession rather than as a human. That slight arrogance also remains, as he writes about how terrible all other men are and implies he is the only one worthy of being with a woman. I apologize if this review sounds like I am ranting in any way—it is absolutely not intended to offend or to criticize the author as a person. Both his writing and his treatment of subject matter just really rub me the wrong way.
February 25, 2019
This was a great book and I never could put it down. I am usually not much of a poetry reader but so far the books I have read have really shown me how good poetry can be. There were a lot of parts that I could understand like it actually happened to me. The writer really showed me that events can happen to other people. All of the words really opened my eyes and some of the words were really relatable. I would definitely recommend to anyone who needs to read a poetry book really opens your eyes to a lot of things.
December 26, 2018
I have never read any book by r.h. Sin before, and when I see this book on NetGalley I thought this is a great chance for me to get to know his work more. He is really a famous poet, and I was excited to read this one.
I enjoyed this collection. That are many poetry that I can relate to, that bring fresh air to my mind. It's so relatable that when I read I may have said "yep, been there", "oh my.. yes!" and so on. I have to bookmarked many of his poetry. But there are also poetry that I don't feel the connection to. Which is okay of course :)
Overall, I gave this collection 3.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy :)
I enjoyed this collection. That are many poetry that I can relate to, that bring fresh air to my mind. It's so relatable that when I read I may have said "yep, been there", "oh my.. yes!" and so on. I have to bookmarked many of his poetry. But there are also poetry that I don't feel the connection to. Which is okay of course :)
Overall, I gave this collection 3.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy :)
January 2, 2023
"I'm at my worst with you on my mind"
June 2, 2018
This book of poetry is mostly made up of rephrased cliches disguised as poems. Another thing that irked me was how the author frequently had poems talking about "she" or "her" rather than writing about his own experiences. Write about your own life, Sin, and let women tell their own stories.
Don't waste your time reading "Planting Gardens in Graves II".
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Don't waste your time reading "Planting Gardens in Graves II".
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
I read these poems before going to bed, a couple pages a night. A lot of these hit close to home for me and I wish I had this book a year ago. Nonetheless, I feel reading these poems now, I can really appreciate the words and their meaning.
September 14, 2019
3.5/5 Stars.
The way the poet writes the poems and how it’s hits home soo deeply. It’s just perfect.
The way the poet writes the poems and how it’s hits home soo deeply. It’s just perfect.
March 5, 2019
'Planting Gardens in Graves II' is the second book in the trilogy I am reading. It is yet another collection of poems, and some of it's many themes are heartbreak, unhealthy relationships, and learning to love yourself before you love others. This book was just as engaging as the first, but seemed to focus on you, the reader, even more. Some of the poems talked directly to you, and the author gave words of encouragement almost as if he was having a conversation with you in real life. It is a different style of writing poetry then I have ever seen. I also found in fascinating how the titles of some of the poems were labeled with dates such as 12.19.16. It almost gives the poems more of a personal feeling, considering that you know the exact day he wrote the specific poem. So far I have liked this series very much, and I hope I can acquire the third book to read.
October 17, 2021
my favourite poem from this collection is
you were never worth/the time i invested
it sums up my thoughts exactly.
you were never worth/the time i invested
it sums up my thoughts exactly.
February 16, 2019
'twas ok
June 30, 2018
r.h. sin never disappoints! one of my fave poets of all time! always!!!
i felt the pain! hurt, sadness, suffering, and mourning! though i haven't been in a romantic relationship myself hahahahha there are pieces that struck me! ya'll women out there - MUST READ!
i would definitely recommend this book to every.single.one.of.you.people.who.are.reading.this.review, especially if you've been in (a) relationship(s) and you are hurting.
disclaimer: i got this arc copy from netgalley ♥
i felt the pain! hurt, sadness, suffering, and mourning! though i haven't been in a romantic relationship myself hahahahha there are pieces that struck me! ya'll women out there - MUST READ!
i would definitely recommend this book to every.single.one.of.you.people.who.are.reading.this.review, especially if you've been in (a) relationship(s) and you are hurting.
disclaimer: i got this arc copy from netgalley ♥
May 15, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this collection of poems!
I love discovering new (to me) poets, I have found NetGalley is a great way to do this. I heard amazing things about this author, R.H. Sin, so I thought I would give this one a go.
Unfortunately, this collection was a 3 star read for me. I can see why the author's words would resonate with so many. This book explores themes of relationships, love, pain, suffering and heartbreak.
Maybe I have been reading too much of this sort of poetry lately, but most of these poems just seemed to blur together, nothing felt original or unique and sometimes even a bit repetitive.
I am not going to judge the authors work based on this collection alone. Like I said, I have heard amazing things about his previous works and I will definitely be trying them out in the future.
My favourites:
"Content"
"Of Anxiety"
In Ruins"
"November 9th 2016"
"Unlearning Toxic Love"
"In Mourning"
"Arms Open"
"Any Year"
"All The Years"
"Much Stronger"
I love discovering new (to me) poets, I have found NetGalley is a great way to do this. I heard amazing things about this author, R.H. Sin, so I thought I would give this one a go.
Unfortunately, this collection was a 3 star read for me. I can see why the author's words would resonate with so many. This book explores themes of relationships, love, pain, suffering and heartbreak.
Maybe I have been reading too much of this sort of poetry lately, but most of these poems just seemed to blur together, nothing felt original or unique and sometimes even a bit repetitive.
I am not going to judge the authors work based on this collection alone. Like I said, I have heard amazing things about his previous works and I will definitely be trying them out in the future.
My favourites:
"Content"
"Of Anxiety"
In Ruins"
"November 9th 2016"
"Unlearning Toxic Love"
"In Mourning"
"Arms Open"
"Any Year"
"All The Years"
"Much Stronger"
August 8, 2023
I'm on a poetry kick today, and R.H. Sin is ALWAYS a good choice. I mean, I feel like they are literally a staple in the poetry world.
I chose this book as it fit a few reading challenges I'm doing. While it certainly isn't my favorite or the best by the author, It still had some great poems in it.
With any poetry book, there will be great poems, mediocre, and some not so great. that's just how it works.
If you're looking for a poetry book that will leave you feeling warm & fuzzy, this isn't it. This hits on some raw topics.
I found the general theme to be.. "are you good enough?"
I chose this book as it fit a few reading challenges I'm doing. While it certainly isn't my favorite or the best by the author, It still had some great poems in it.
With any poetry book, there will be great poems, mediocre, and some not so great. that's just how it works.
If you're looking for a poetry book that will leave you feeling warm & fuzzy, this isn't it. This hits on some raw topics.
I found the general theme to be.. "are you good enough?"
December 12, 2019
Planting gardens in Graves is a very emotional "series" Its a complication of some very emotional poems that give you such detail, it's almost like you can "feel" what the persons going through in the book. I personally enjoyed this book more than volume one for that reason.
Throughout the book, the author mentions that there is a reason you are reading this book, and whether it may be just to read, or because it's your way of trying to find peace; and I really like that they added that. It makes you stop and think, "why am I reading this?" If you haven't read this book, I would highly recommend you read it, (as long as you like emotional books!) Planting Gardens in Graves was so good, that I would definitely reread it!
Throughout the book, the author mentions that there is a reason you are reading this book, and whether it may be just to read, or because it's your way of trying to find peace; and I really like that they added that. It makes you stop and think, "why am I reading this?" If you haven't read this book, I would highly recommend you read it, (as long as you like emotional books!) Planting Gardens in Graves was so good, that I would definitely reread it!
May 4, 2024
4.5 stars. I’ve had this book sitting on the shelf for a year now and now that I’ve been able to experience the first volume, i can gladly say that the poetry is up to snuff. The second volume, in my opinion, is far better than the first volume. It shows more truths in alignment with one another, sticking to a shared metaphor instead of constantly jumping around- especially now that the story/message has been built up. I had far too many poems that just wanted to share or rip out and pin to my walls.
July 8, 2018
Planting Gardens in Graves II isn't what you call 'a bundle of joy'. It's harsch, rough and very, very realistic and true. This isn't supposed to be fun or easy, it's supposed to make you think and realize what you've been doing with your life. Are you good enough for her? Are you good enough for you? Planting Gardens in Graves II makes you reflect on everything you've done relationship-wise so far. And that was exactly what I needed.
Some words to describe this bundle: Harsch, emotional, relationships.
Some words to describe this bundle: Harsch, emotional, relationships.
August 5, 2018
Overall, a beautiful collection of poignant, brief poems centering on the scars of heartbreak and learning to rise above them. While some pages admittedly left me breathless in Sin's ability to capture so much emotion in so few words, the majority of Planting Gardens in Graves II felt too familiar.
September 25, 2019
this book is a compilation of poems that are deep down in the reader's emotions and it expresses what the writer went through and why she wrote the poems in the way she did. the poems are comparing love to a lot of bad things in life and how hurtful and degrading it can be. I recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry and how likes to read emotional things
Read
August 31, 2018I think this book was very good but personally I like the first book better. Some poems in this book are harder to understand than the ones in the first book, but overall it is a good series.
September 22, 2019
3.5 ! It was good ... maybe I just wasn't in the mood for that kind of poetry.
June 4, 2020
Love this Author!!!
August 6, 2025
Ouch. (Because some words hit hard)
This is a poetry book not quite so much about actually “planting gardens in graves” but rather talks about heartache, relationships, depression, and things that happened in the past.
This is a poetry book not quite so much about actually “planting gardens in graves” but rather talks about heartache, relationships, depression, and things that happened in the past.
January 28, 2024
you were never worth/the time i invested
The body of work was a reflection of women? Although the writer is a male. I was quite confused and wasn’t sure on whose perspective he was writing from. I have heard some great things about his first few collections, however I don’t think I want to invest the time into purchasing and reading them.
It seems the themes are continuously repetitive and the same every few pages. I feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Themes including, heartbreak, unhealthy relationships, loving others, and learning to love yourself. It’s nice to see a male writer, writing poetry that speaks on the strength and beauty of women and does make an attempt at promoting equality.
Sin’s writing was super easy to read and I think he is overall great with words and they tend to be quite beautiful, but this repetitive style he’s got going on makes me forget about how nice his words are as it feels quite choppy.
The body of work was a reflection of women? Although the writer is a male. I was quite confused and wasn’t sure on whose perspective he was writing from. I have heard some great things about his first few collections, however I don’t think I want to invest the time into purchasing and reading them.
It seems the themes are continuously repetitive and the same every few pages. I feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Themes including, heartbreak, unhealthy relationships, loving others, and learning to love yourself. It’s nice to see a male writer, writing poetry that speaks on the strength and beauty of women and does make an attempt at promoting equality.
Sin’s writing was super easy to read and I think he is overall great with words and they tend to be quite beautiful, but this repetitive style he’s got going on makes me forget about how nice his words are as it feels quite choppy.
January 11, 2019
I am not a poetry hater. I love the work of amazing poets/writers; people full of talent, inspiration, major purposes and so on. Among those I mention, I could easily include Nayyirah Waheed and her work Salt, or Alberto Ramos and his amazing work eighteen. I could even include the charismatic Rupi Kaur and both of her works, Milk and Honey and The Sun and Her Flowers which, although they may be at times too simplistic, have a worth considering message underneath and a beautiful design. This author, nevertheless, leaves me speechless in the worst of ways (ironic because I am writing in this review more letters than most of his books contain).
I literally feel like he throws some inmature, random and EXTREMELY clichéd thoughts in his books, with no special style nor theme, with no artistic features nor any type of talent. All I could see while reading his words was his macho attitude claiming to know everything about women and being the best guy a woman could ever had. Simply pathetic. And I get why people buy it: he makes so many books with such little pages (even 50) and then prices them so "low" (not low considering the book characteristics, even expensive) and fools his instagram followers into believing he is selling an art piece for a super low price, and when people express their opinions on his comments sections he straightforward deletes it and even blocks you. And I am of course not talking about insulting him nor his work on his account, but rather asking a question literally like "i'd like to see you writing books with more themes than love, i'd be nice" LITERALLY he has deleted comments of the kind. I bet he spends way more time fooling the Instagram community and misguiding them to fill his pockets than actually crafting his books. Not to even talk about what's within the actual book which I refuse to call poetry: "run away from any guy who claims to love you while treating you like shit" (enter space x5) Wow. Lorca who dis.
All in all, save your precious time and money on scammers like this and if you are trying to find some good poetry, check out the amazing book eighteen combined with stunning illustrations made by the author Alberto Ramos who is just 18, or Nayyirah's work too, which is so deep and beautiful although more simple than eighteen; if you liked this r h Sin book, you'll fall in love with the authors I mentioned and on my humble opinion, will discover the genuine essence of contemporary poetry, and if you disliked Sin's books, you may even love the ones I said more.
That was hella long. But hey, hope it helps you. I wish someone had said this to me a little while ago.
I literally feel like he throws some inmature, random and EXTREMELY clichéd thoughts in his books, with no special style nor theme, with no artistic features nor any type of talent. All I could see while reading his words was his macho attitude claiming to know everything about women and being the best guy a woman could ever had. Simply pathetic. And I get why people buy it: he makes so many books with such little pages (even 50) and then prices them so "low" (not low considering the book characteristics, even expensive) and fools his instagram followers into believing he is selling an art piece for a super low price, and when people express their opinions on his comments sections he straightforward deletes it and even blocks you. And I am of course not talking about insulting him nor his work on his account, but rather asking a question literally like "i'd like to see you writing books with more themes than love, i'd be nice" LITERALLY he has deleted comments of the kind. I bet he spends way more time fooling the Instagram community and misguiding them to fill his pockets than actually crafting his books. Not to even talk about what's within the actual book which I refuse to call poetry: "run away from any guy who claims to love you while treating you like shit" (enter space x5) Wow. Lorca who dis.
All in all, save your precious time and money on scammers like this and if you are trying to find some good poetry, check out the amazing book eighteen combined with stunning illustrations made by the author Alberto Ramos who is just 18, or Nayyirah's work too, which is so deep and beautiful although more simple than eighteen; if you liked this r h Sin book, you'll fall in love with the authors I mentioned and on my humble opinion, will discover the genuine essence of contemporary poetry, and if you disliked Sin's books, you may even love the ones I said more.
That was hella long. But hey, hope it helps you. I wish someone had said this to me a little while ago.
July 9, 2018
Let me start out by saying that I'm almost always the first person to say "I don't like poetry." I'm an English major in college, but most of the poetry I've had to read just doesn't connect with me. Nothing against the classic, great poets, but I just haven't felt anything groundbreaking from reading poetry.
Well, r.h. Sin (and a few other poets) are changing that for me.
I've seen r.h. Sin's work at Target, and I've always been intrigued by the short, brief poetry that looks like something I'd see posted on Tumblr or Instagram. I've never read any of his poetry books before, but when I got the chance to read and review Planting Gardens In Graces II, I jumped on the chance. I'm not sure what poetry was in the book before this one, but I can genuinely say that for a newcomer to r.h. Sin's work and to poetry in general, this book definitely provided for me.
Let's talk about the poems themselves. Very few poems are longer than a single page, which allows you to just read a single poem at a time, or to binge a few and then reflect. Unlike the poetry that I had to read in school, these poems are of relatable, modern subjects, such as love, heartbreak, and anxiety. There's a palpable sadness running through the entire thing, which I think separates it from some of the more uplifting poetry in this style that you can find on social media sites. Sometimes a sad poem is all you need.
There's no complex rhyme to pick apart, just a nice rhythm dictated by the line breaks. I appreciated the varying poem lengths. While many of them are short, consisting of just a few lines, others are longer and definitely feel deeper. Still, I found myself enjoying all of the poems, and reading them slowly, as one would sip a hot, flavorful tea. You don't have to read them in order. I did, to see how r.h. Sin wanted to present these poems, but opening up to a random poem and just seeing what it was to offer works just as well. My only complaint is that this book wasn't divided into themed sections, but then again, maybe this poetry book works better in the way it's currently organized.
This book earns 5/5 stars from me. Partially because it's bringing me out of my "I hate poetry phase," and partially because it's the type of book that I just know I want to keep on my bookshelf for a long time. I currently don't have a section for poetry, so I guess that r.h. Sin will get the first spot.
Here are some of my favorite lines. Like what you see? Pick up your own copy when it comes out on 7/10/18!
- "Chase success/not him/choose yourself/not him"
-"I began making a list/of all the benefits/of loving you/and the page remained blank"
-"The world is cold/burn bridges to keep warm"
For more reviews, quotes, pictures of books, and magical stardust, check out my blog, Starlight-Reads!
Well, r.h. Sin (and a few other poets) are changing that for me.
I've seen r.h. Sin's work at Target, and I've always been intrigued by the short, brief poetry that looks like something I'd see posted on Tumblr or Instagram. I've never read any of his poetry books before, but when I got the chance to read and review Planting Gardens In Graces II, I jumped on the chance. I'm not sure what poetry was in the book before this one, but I can genuinely say that for a newcomer to r.h. Sin's work and to poetry in general, this book definitely provided for me.
Let's talk about the poems themselves. Very few poems are longer than a single page, which allows you to just read a single poem at a time, or to binge a few and then reflect. Unlike the poetry that I had to read in school, these poems are of relatable, modern subjects, such as love, heartbreak, and anxiety. There's a palpable sadness running through the entire thing, which I think separates it from some of the more uplifting poetry in this style that you can find on social media sites. Sometimes a sad poem is all you need.
There's no complex rhyme to pick apart, just a nice rhythm dictated by the line breaks. I appreciated the varying poem lengths. While many of them are short, consisting of just a few lines, others are longer and definitely feel deeper. Still, I found myself enjoying all of the poems, and reading them slowly, as one would sip a hot, flavorful tea. You don't have to read them in order. I did, to see how r.h. Sin wanted to present these poems, but opening up to a random poem and just seeing what it was to offer works just as well. My only complaint is that this book wasn't divided into themed sections, but then again, maybe this poetry book works better in the way it's currently organized.
This book earns 5/5 stars from me. Partially because it's bringing me out of my "I hate poetry phase," and partially because it's the type of book that I just know I want to keep on my bookshelf for a long time. I currently don't have a section for poetry, so I guess that r.h. Sin will get the first spot.
Here are some of my favorite lines. Like what you see? Pick up your own copy when it comes out on 7/10/18!
- "Chase success/not him/choose yourself/not him"
-"I began making a list/of all the benefits/of loving you/and the page remained blank"
-"The world is cold/burn bridges to keep warm"
For more reviews, quotes, pictures of books, and magical stardust, check out my blog, Starlight-Reads!
August 26, 2019
Favourite poems
I stayed
but love left
i overthink myself
into a mood
that robs me of my happiness
i am at my worst
with you on my mind
forever is always
shorter than we expect
it takes two
to save a relationship
you can't continue
to do this
by yourself
chase success
not him
choose yourself
not him
you were never worth
the time i invested
for me, by me
for too long
we wait for a love
that can be cultivated
by our own hearts
a love that can be given
to ourselves from ourselves
i needed me a bit more
than you deserved me
we have loved
more than we've been loved
and that is the problem
i began making a list
of all the benefits
of loving you
and the page remained blank
you can keep fighting but your fight means nothing
if they're not fighting for you as well
we find ourselves
fighting for those
who would rather
fight against us
nothing hurts more
than doing so much for people
who make you feel
like what you do isn't enough
i've found myself giving my all to those
who gave nothing to me
i watch you
compromise
your peace of mind
for the chaos of a man
who is incapable
of loving you
and i hope you find
the strength
to walk away
and here i stand
surrounded by my own tears
knee deep in my own demons
reaching for the same hand
who pushed me over the edge
the trouble is
you think
loving him harder
will make him
fall for you
but it won't
you're the type of woman
who deserves what she gives
we are everything, giving everything
to those who deserve nothing
we are in love with those
incapable of loving us
queens searching for royal love
within a relationship
with men who will never be kings
your man's desire
to be everything to you
should outweigh
the importance of every other
woman in the world
love became work
this is why my heart
is unemployed
revisiting a relationship
that felt more like a crime scene
my heart outlined in chalk
and you behind the yellow tape
watching me bleed out
never lose your mind
over someone who
rarely thinks about you
never lose sleep
over someone
who isn't afraid
to lose you
inspired by sadness
my writer's block is joy
love will make you hallucinate
a truth that is really a lie
my fu is too big
for clubs
my ambition is too big
for a job i hate
my love is too big
for an unhealthy relationship
sometimes saying no
means saying yes
to something better
down the line
cry
drown your devils
with the tears they caused
swim to shore
from the rivers you've made
promises made with your fingers
crossed behind your back
I stayed
but love left
i overthink myself
into a mood
that robs me of my happiness
i am at my worst
with you on my mind
forever is always
shorter than we expect
it takes two
to save a relationship
you can't continue
to do this
by yourself
chase success
not him
choose yourself
not him
you were never worth
the time i invested
for me, by me
for too long
we wait for a love
that can be cultivated
by our own hearts
a love that can be given
to ourselves from ourselves
i needed me a bit more
than you deserved me
we have loved
more than we've been loved
and that is the problem
i began making a list
of all the benefits
of loving you
and the page remained blank
you can keep fighting but your fight means nothing
if they're not fighting for you as well
we find ourselves
fighting for those
who would rather
fight against us
nothing hurts more
than doing so much for people
who make you feel
like what you do isn't enough
i've found myself giving my all to those
who gave nothing to me
i watch you
compromise
your peace of mind
for the chaos of a man
who is incapable
of loving you
and i hope you find
the strength
to walk away
and here i stand
surrounded by my own tears
knee deep in my own demons
reaching for the same hand
who pushed me over the edge
the trouble is
you think
loving him harder
will make him
fall for you
but it won't
you're the type of woman
who deserves what she gives
we are everything, giving everything
to those who deserve nothing
we are in love with those
incapable of loving us
queens searching for royal love
within a relationship
with men who will never be kings
your man's desire
to be everything to you
should outweigh
the importance of every other
woman in the world
love became work
this is why my heart
is unemployed
revisiting a relationship
that felt more like a crime scene
my heart outlined in chalk
and you behind the yellow tape
watching me bleed out
never lose your mind
over someone who
rarely thinks about you
never lose sleep
over someone
who isn't afraid
to lose you
inspired by sadness
my writer's block is joy
love will make you hallucinate
a truth that is really a lie
my fu is too big
for clubs
my ambition is too big
for a job i hate
my love is too big
for an unhealthy relationship
sometimes saying no
means saying yes
to something better
down the line
cry
drown your devils
with the tears they caused
swim to shore
from the rivers you've made
promises made with your fingers
crossed behind your back
January 20, 2025
R.H. Sin’s Planting Gardens in Graves Volume II is a deeply emotional collection of poetry that takes readers on a journey through pain, love, loss, and self-discovery. This second volume builds upon the themes introduced in the first book, but with an added layer of intensity and introspection that makes it even more compelling. One of the standout elements of this collection is how it feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Sin has a gift for distilling complex emotions into simple, evocative language that resonates with readers. The poems are raw and honest, often reflecting the darker sides of love—its hurt, its degradation, and the emotional toll it can take. This vulnerability creates a strong connection between the writer and the reader, making it feel as though Sin is speaking directly to your soul. A unique touch in this volume is Sin’s frequent acknowledgment of the reader’s presence. The poet reminds us that there’s a reason we’ve picked up this book, whether for solace, understanding, or simply as a way to process our own emotions. This interactive quality adds a layer of depth, prompting moments of self-reflection and making the reading experience feel intimate and purposeful. Compared to Volume I, this book delves even deeper into emotional territories, evoking a visceral response. The vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions pull readers into the author’s world, allowing them to “feel” the pain, longing, and healing conveyed in each piece. It’s a collection that doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of heartbreak but also offers glimmers of hope and strength. For those who enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart and isn’t afraid to explore raw, emotional truths, Planting Gardens in Graves Volume II is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a fan of modern poetry or simply looking for a book that makes you feel deeply, this collection will not disappoint. R.H. Sin’s ability to turn pain into art and connect with readers on such an emotional level is truly remarkable. This book is not only worth reading but also worth revisiting, as its messages and themes linger long after you’ve turned the final page.
June 27, 2018
I received a copy of this work through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having read another work by r.h. Sin, I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to review a collection of his.
Sin seems to open up more in this collection, focusing more on the pain that resulted by a death of a love. His words reliving moments and specific days that stand out and why they still mean so much to him.
What I loved about the work was how Sin doesn't write about his pain in a negative way. Even though a lot of the poems center around how the pain makes him feel or how he starts to question love, he is always reflective of the pain, as if he's trying to figure out what it may teach him.
Another element that I loved about this work is how Sin portrays women. He does not curse them or drag women through the mud because he has felt heartache because of one. Instead, he praises women, uplifts them, and reflects on how men and women are equal in relationships. There isn't one guilty party if things go wrong. He admits his faults openly. The heartache stems from the pain they cause each other.
Even though I appreciate the level of depth this collection has and the beautiful insight into someone dealing with heartache and learning to grow from it, I felt these themes were lost in the middle section of the work. It started off really strong in the beginning and finished strong in the end, but the middle didn't hold the same weight. I felt a disconnect while reading it. However, despite this, I would recommend this collection. I definitely enjoyed it.
Having read another work by r.h. Sin, I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to review a collection of his.
Sin seems to open up more in this collection, focusing more on the pain that resulted by a death of a love. His words reliving moments and specific days that stand out and why they still mean so much to him.
What I loved about the work was how Sin doesn't write about his pain in a negative way. Even though a lot of the poems center around how the pain makes him feel or how he starts to question love, he is always reflective of the pain, as if he's trying to figure out what it may teach him.
Another element that I loved about this work is how Sin portrays women. He does not curse them or drag women through the mud because he has felt heartache because of one. Instead, he praises women, uplifts them, and reflects on how men and women are equal in relationships. There isn't one guilty party if things go wrong. He admits his faults openly. The heartache stems from the pain they cause each other.
Even though I appreciate the level of depth this collection has and the beautiful insight into someone dealing with heartache and learning to grow from it, I felt these themes were lost in the middle section of the work. It started off really strong in the beginning and finished strong in the end, but the middle didn't hold the same weight. I felt a disconnect while reading it. However, despite this, I would recommend this collection. I definitely enjoyed it.
June 7, 2018
Review found at: https://achronicreader.wordpress.com/...
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Publisher: Andrews McNeel Publishing
Genre: Poetry
Rating: 4 / 5
Reviewing poetry is new to me, but I do know that r.h. Sin is an incredible poet and thoughtful writer. He empowers women and recognizes the struggle of finding the love we so deserve. I resonate with his poems about strength and rising up, but find less connection in his poems about heartbreak or toxic relationships, hence the 4 star rating. I am absolutely in love with his poem "to the reader." My heart was soared as I read it and felt like he was talking directly to me. It made me see why he writes what he does and how he desperately wants everyone to believe in themselves.
"to the reader." ends with the lines
"you are not a burden
i won't judge you
i'll do my best to understand you
i hope you find what you are looking for"
Yes, r.h. Sin, I definitely found what I was looking for in your poetry. I think a lot of women (and men) will find comfort in your words. Thank you for writing empowering poetry on important topics.
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Publisher: Andrews McNeel Publishing
Genre: Poetry
Rating: 4 / 5
Reviewing poetry is new to me, but I do know that r.h. Sin is an incredible poet and thoughtful writer. He empowers women and recognizes the struggle of finding the love we so deserve. I resonate with his poems about strength and rising up, but find less connection in his poems about heartbreak or toxic relationships, hence the 4 star rating. I am absolutely in love with his poem "to the reader." My heart was soared as I read it and felt like he was talking directly to me. It made me see why he writes what he does and how he desperately wants everyone to believe in themselves.
"to the reader." ends with the lines
"you are not a burden
i won't judge you
i'll do my best to understand you
i hope you find what you are looking for"
Yes, r.h. Sin, I definitely found what I was looking for in your poetry. I think a lot of women (and men) will find comfort in your words. Thank you for writing empowering poetry on important topics.
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