Birds and Other Dreamers: Poems

by K.B. Marie, Victoria Solomon (Illustrator)

This collection of fifty illustrated poems are a journey, an exploration of love and all its entanglements: attraction, fear, loss, and redemption.

Genres: Poetry

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2020

About the author

K.B. Marie earned her MFA in poetry at Western Michigan University in 2010. In the years following, she taught thousands of university writing students how to find and develop their own voices, before leaving teaching to focus on her writing full-time.

Dozens of her poems have appeared in literary magazines and anthologies, including Bateau, North American Review, Ascent, Florida Review, Tampa Review, and elsewhere under the name, Kory M. Shrum.

She's also worked with several independent presses and publications, including New Issues Press, Zone 3 Press, Third Coast Literary Magazine, and the Los Angeles Review.

So many poets, writers, and artists have influenced her work, but she has a special love for Wisława Szymborska, Louise Glück, and Mary Oliver.

Her favorite poetry intersects with art--which is why most of her collections are illustrated or have a visual component.

She lives in Michigan with her wife, Kimberly, and their pug, Charley.

Learn more by visiting her website www.kbmariepoems.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter and receive a free poetry ebook. She is also on Instagram @kbmariepoems

Reviews

[Ly ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es la primera vez que leo un poemario en inglés. Si bien la mayoría de los poemas me costó un poquito entenderlos, hubieron muchos otros que los entendí fácilmente y que también me encantaron. Para ser la primera vez que leo poemas en inglés, la verdad es que quedo bastante conforme. Además, las ilustraciones que acompañan a los poemas son bellísimas.

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and stimulating. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

There is so much to ponder in these poignant verses. My eyes filled up with light and maybe even some small measure of darkness. My mind ebb'd with thoughts of love, joy and, perhaps, a pinch of worry and grief to keep me sane. There is some rest within this literary gem but also so very much to do. I savoured the rich experience of tender passion in all things seen, felt and tasted. Dreams can seem so real. And so, as well, can life.

K.B. Marie stirs our emotions with some thought provoking poetry. Alas, do not let the darkness overtake you. That is the best time for resting. To await the coming sunrise and all that rises with it.

[Jo Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and inspiring poems. A must for fans of poetry

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable and Relatable

I'm a lover of poetry so I'll just get that out there. I can appreciate almost all poetry but I definitely like some more than others. I like this book of poems, and also the elegant simplicity of the drawings.
I read some of the reviews and do not agree with any of the negative ones. These are all good and some are excellent. Which just means some of them connected with me deeper than the others.....and that's on me, not the caliber of the writing. I believe there are things within the poems that can speak to everyone if they're allowed to.
I'm glad I picked this up and read it. I'm better for the experience. I recommend this book to anyone willing to be moved by the power of words. You won't be disappointed.

[Megan Lougheed · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 stars
i decided this year that I wish to read more poetry. Mainly because I like to write poetry myself and want to be invested in people who do the same. The work of K.B Marie is stunning. I loved many of the verses and recognized myself in her words. It’s a fun read, with love and emotion, fear and loss.

[Michelle Skelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me from my hoopla app, I've been trying to expand my reading to brand new genres.

I don't think I would really be qualified to say what is good poetry or not, but I found this poetic look at love so very lovely. Does love extend beyond time and place? Beautiful ponderings on the topic.

Reading this poetry is the literal experience of sitting in a garden.

[Renee Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one.☺️

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book of poetry

I enjoyed reading this book of poems. I believe I need to start writing poetry again. Inspiring collection to enjoy.

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely enjoyable poetry that really managed to rescue my mood.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not the biggest fan of free verse poetry, so these didn't really stand out to me. There was only one poem that really touched me.

[Liz Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super quick. Not as many poems that really spoke to me, but they were still quite good.

[Donna Dufault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not normally read poems of any type. However, I enjoyed this book of poems. My favourite poem “then and now”. Resonated with me!

[Makayla H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful, I was caught off guard to how many poems within this collection related so perfectly to me