What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pisces: Poems, Quotes, and Illustrations
Poems about everything.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
11 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 27, 2021
3.5 stars.
I am so conflicted with this collection. Don't get me wrong; the good is brilliant, breathtaking prose. Tavon clearly understands something essential about the self, about betrayal and loyalty and regret and love and loss. He speaks of such an encompassing variety that speaks to everyone on the surface; at least one poem will connect to any reader deep in their soul. It is essentially a guided meditation through poetry, it is a beautiful exploration of stillness. The metaphors in this collection are gorgeous, 'pills like skittles' stood out. "Shadow Dancers" was particularly beautiful. Some of Tavon's poetry centered on finding peace while being alone - and I connected greatly to this and enjoyed much of it.
That said, the bad is god-awful. Cringe-worthy attempts to be something it should never be. Unfortunately for me, the memory of the truly terrible poems eclipses my memories and learnings from the good. "Sex Olympics" stands out as a particularly soul-destroying read, "The Pussy Fairy" a close follow-up. "Drug Dealers make More $$$" is less painful but still noteworthy in its awfulness. Tavon's poetry with a musical twist, such as "I Can Feel It" hit beautifully, but the lyrics scattered throughout the collection were overall average. The phrase "I cum to my senses" will forever be burned into my brain, for better or worse. Definitely worse.
I am so conflicted with this collection. Don't get me wrong; the good is brilliant, breathtaking prose. Tavon clearly understands something essential about the self, about betrayal and loyalty and regret and love and loss. He speaks of such an encompassing variety that speaks to everyone on the surface; at least one poem will connect to any reader deep in their soul. It is essentially a guided meditation through poetry, it is a beautiful exploration of stillness. The metaphors in this collection are gorgeous, 'pills like skittles' stood out. "Shadow Dancers" was particularly beautiful. Some of Tavon's poetry centered on finding peace while being alone - and I connected greatly to this and enjoyed much of it.
That said, the bad is god-awful. Cringe-worthy attempts to be something it should never be. Unfortunately for me, the memory of the truly terrible poems eclipses my memories and learnings from the good. "Sex Olympics" stands out as a particularly soul-destroying read, "The Pussy Fairy" a close follow-up. "Drug Dealers make More $$$" is less painful but still noteworthy in its awfulness. Tavon's poetry with a musical twist, such as "I Can Feel It" hit beautifully, but the lyrics scattered throughout the collection were overall average. The phrase "I cum to my senses" will forever be burned into my brain, for better or worse. Definitely worse.
December 9, 2021
The Pisces: Poems, Quotes, and Illustrations is Michael Tavon's ninth poetry collection which was published in March 2021. His Amazon profile simply describes The Pisces as a book with "Poems about everything.
It took me three months to complete reading this collection of poetry when it shouldn’t have taken me a few days. When I say I am conflicted by this collection — I mean with the utmost conviction. Poetry is my “go-to” genre for me when I am uninspired and lack the motivation to read. The Pisces felt more like an obligation to complete than leisure but this isn't to say there aren’t good poems or quotes.
Art, theater, and poetry complement each other, poets/writers are always trying to strike harmony with all three art forms but a few always get it right. Think about Jay-Z’s Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film or Saul Williams performing Coded Language on Def Poetry Jam whilst carrying a scroll.
Illustration isn’t Tavon’s strong suit and the art in the book does not enhance the book. I think the book would have been complete without the art, which is distracting to the overall presentation of the work. Perhaps in the future, he may consider collaborators for the art as some published authors have. I was also not moved by the lyrics in The Pisces.
As the Amazon description has highlighted, Tavon writes about everything: self-love, relationships, lovemaking, dreams, music and so much more. This means there’s a poem for everyone in the book, in fact, midway through reading it a friend needed advice, I recalled two of the poems of which I sent to her “Greater Days” and “Comfort Zone Penitentiary”
Poem 1
Poem 2
There are many other poems and quotes which I found inspiring, but my favorite and most powerful in my opinion is “Where I’m From”.
Overall The Pisces: Poems, Quotes, and Illustrations is a good book to keep around for those days when you’re feeling down and need motivation or gentle reminders and would be great for Christmas gifting or birthdays.
It took me three months to complete reading this collection of poetry when it shouldn’t have taken me a few days. When I say I am conflicted by this collection — I mean with the utmost conviction. Poetry is my “go-to” genre for me when I am uninspired and lack the motivation to read. The Pisces felt more like an obligation to complete than leisure but this isn't to say there aren’t good poems or quotes.
Art, theater, and poetry complement each other, poets/writers are always trying to strike harmony with all three art forms but a few always get it right. Think about Jay-Z’s Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film or Saul Williams performing Coded Language on Def Poetry Jam whilst carrying a scroll.
Illustration isn’t Tavon’s strong suit and the art in the book does not enhance the book. I think the book would have been complete without the art, which is distracting to the overall presentation of the work. Perhaps in the future, he may consider collaborators for the art as some published authors have. I was also not moved by the lyrics in The Pisces.
As the Amazon description has highlighted, Tavon writes about everything: self-love, relationships, lovemaking, dreams, music and so much more. This means there’s a poem for everyone in the book, in fact, midway through reading it a friend needed advice, I recalled two of the poems of which I sent to her “Greater Days” and “Comfort Zone Penitentiary”
Poem 1
Poem 2
There are many other poems and quotes which I found inspiring, but my favorite and most powerful in my opinion is “Where I’m From”.
Overall The Pisces: Poems, Quotes, and Illustrations is a good book to keep around for those days when you’re feeling down and need motivation or gentle reminders and would be great for Christmas gifting or birthdays.
August 26, 2021
Never have my eyes set on a poetry book so beautiful that I nearly finished it in two days. I couldn't stop reading even while eating or doing my chores. I couldn't put it down! I wish I could loose my memory so that I can read it again for the first time! Simply because i fell in love with it. Each poem you read it's like a feeling snatched from your my mind and put down on paper for you. It griefs with you then pull you out of self loathe and bath you in self love, admiration and worth. It's like a gentle reminder that you are human and it's okay to have ups and downs as long as you try and pull yourself together. I have a ritual that i would pick my favorite poems sentences and phrases and write it down, but with this book each new one had me thinking yes this is my favorite resulting in writing the whole book down because simoly I can't choose a favorite, i loved them all.
August 23, 2021
Michael Tavon is a great poet. In his poems from “The Pisces” he really put meaning in each and every word. Every sentence or stanza had so much life to it. It takes a strong mind to be able to turn your inner most difficult feelings into words, and put them on paper. But Tavon did that. I think my most favorite poem would have to be “Searching for Myself”. In this poem he opens up my mind in a way it never has. It portrays bravery and how hard is is to be able to find yourself and being strong enough to do so. Im glad i read this book and i want to read it thousand times more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
A very raw and honest collection of poetry that will enchant, surprise and intrigue you.
I really appreciated the way Tavon captures his emotions in these poems and revels in them when they are positive and uplifts himself when he pulled in by the negative, and it creates a striking balance in this collection.
A very enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more, I look forward to more of their work as they continue to grow into their talent.
(I received a copy of the work from the author for honest review).
I really appreciated the way Tavon captures his emotions in these poems and revels in them when they are positive and uplifts himself when he pulled in by the negative, and it creates a striking balance in this collection.
A very enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more, I look forward to more of their work as they continue to grow into their talent.
(I received a copy of the work from the author for honest review).
September 6, 2021
It's raw, uncut and beautiful. There's a poem for everyone in this collection and one for every mood or situation that you may go through. The poem that stood out the most to me was ,' Broken Records ', primarily because it's so relatable and it applies to my current situation. The diversity of this collection makes it even more dynamic. It's clear that the poet is passionate his work. The words and phrases, along with how random these poems are arranged contribute positively to the reading experience. I can't get enough of the collection.
August 25, 2021
These poems will be read over & over again.
You read it the first time & it hits you in certain ways, you read it again & it hits differently.
These are not just poems but mantras for me.
Grateful for these words.
You read it the first time & it hits you in certain ways, you read it again & it hits differently.
These are not just poems but mantras for me.
Grateful for these words.
October 1, 2021
Incredibly beautiful book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews