The Language of love: [poems]

by Susan Polis Schutz (Editor)

In this exquisite collection, contemporary and classical authors share their thoughts, feelings, and dreams about that ageless, universal emotion called... love. For the special person who receives it, this beautiful volume is certain to make an enduring impression. The handmade paper chosen for the cover of this book is specially crafted from mulberry trees, with real flower petals, grasses, leaves, and bark embedded in the paper. Using age-old techniques, this paper is made without cutting down trees or harming the natural environment.

Genres: Poetry

77 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1975

About the author

Susan Polis Schutz (born 1944) is an American poet and producer of greeting cards and the mother of U.S. Congressman Jared Polis of Colorado.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Polis Schutz has edited a selection of verse, prose, maxims and quotations that spell out what love can mean and to these she adds a selection of her own poems on the subject that complement those from such as Euripides, William Shakespeare and other admirably, in fact sometimes more than admirably because she has contributed some really lovely verse.

There is even a quote from Vincent Van Gogh who began it with 'Love is something eternal - the aspect may change but not the essence', which is so true, while Lao Tzu rites, 'By the accident of fortune a man may rule the world for a time, but by virtue of love he may rule the world forever.' I'm not too sure abut ruling the world but the sentiments are correct!

And as far back as 580BC the Greek lyric poet Sappho stated, 'Of all the creations of the earth and heaven love is the most precious'; he could well be correct! Another early quotation is from one of Athens' great dramatists Euripides who said, 'It is a good thing to be rich and to be strong, but it is a better thing to be loved.' Very wise these Greeks!

On 17 February 1972 Nikki Giovanni wrote a lovely poem entitled 'The World is Not a Pleasant Place To Be' in which he stated a number of negative facts and ended with '... the world is not/a pleasant place to be without/someone', which has some element of truth in it I feel sure.

Christina Rossetti provides food for thought with 'Spring bursts today/For Love is risen/And all the earth's at play'. I like the linking of the season, love and play and all I can say is, well roll on spring so I can play (which I try to do all the time!) although I'm not too sure about love coming back into my life!

And the editor finishes off with a lovely poem expressing 'some people' who cannot find solace in some things loneliness, trust, dissatisfaction, peace and appreciation of flowers and trees until they met their soul mate and ends with the lines 'Some people are never able to experience a sincere love/I could not/until/I/met/you.' I know how they felt for I could address such a remark to my late wife Linda.

There's plenty more to dwell upon in a book that is rather tastefully and sympathetically illustrated by Stephen Schutz.

[Rosanna Ahonen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2/5 muuten, mutta tää tuoksui lapsuudelle ja ajatus siitä, että mun äiti on lukenut tätä samaa kirjaa parikymppisenä nosti aiheuttamansa nostalgiaryöpyn ansiosta arvosanan kolmoseen.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally moved me to tears. l love love so much. ❤️

[KaitleBob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan, this is one of the most beautiful compilations of love poems I have ever read (not to mention the cover is decorated with real pressed flora)! Every word struck a chord within my soul. No matter the time period, no matter the poet, there is always a common theme. Love knows no bounds. It is timeless. It is magic. Thank you for putting this collection together. It changed my life. <3

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fairly disappointing. I was expecting to find a book full of love poems, but instead found an assortment of quotes, some of which weren't even that enticing.

[Fox Galv · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet as candy

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Arielle Ney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s so great to read about love while in love, but if you’re not then I guess it’s not so great 🤭 luckily I fall into the first category, so I had a wholesome time reading this :)

[Amanda Natania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, beautiful words gathered in one book. What a beautiful reading experience! To read this at school.. worst feeling ever, but what a wonderful piece of masterpiece is all that I can say.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is just a book of quotes and there are a few excellent ones in there. It was not entirely spectacular, but a good resource at the least.

[Amanda Renfro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection

[Joanne G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection from many sources (Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anne Bradstreet, Vincent van Gogh, etc.) of poetry and bits of prose concerning love; attractively illustrated.