The Song of Circe and Other Simple Musings

by J. Matthew Helm

Twilit dreamscapes unfold across J. Matthew Helms’ debut collection of poetry, revealing new worlds beyond the veils of myth. From the shores of Valhalla to the great halls of Mount Olympus, these unique poems guide the reader through the mists of time and legend like a lantern, casting tales of the old gods in a new light. Interwoven with themes of earthly nature and celestial warfare, The Song of Circe reflects the joy and sorrow—the pain and healing—the love and disdain that define the human soul, beckoning us to explore within ourselves the darkest corners of our oldest legends.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2022

Reviews

[Joey Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And if one of your bullets finds its way into my chest/Somewhere in the universe, my words will still exist/One day your blue steel will succumb to inevitable rust/But my words will last long after my bones have turned to dust."

Admittedly, I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to both historical fiction and poetry, but the mornings and nights are getting colder here in North Carolina, and this poetry collection has been an excellent companion to the winter months.

Though intentional or not, the author seems to be channeling old themes and mythology into a larger discussion of our world today, including religion and our connection to the earth and people around us.

Suffice it to say, I found these simple musings very amusing, indeed.

[Amber Showalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, Helms speaks and shifts through his own lyrical mythology. You’ll recognize the cast of characters, but Helms makes them his own, as he embeds himself in their history. You’ll also find yourself in these pages. Pieces of past and present emotions are littered in between the mythology you thought you knew, except now you’re a part of it. And while you’re surprised to find yourself there, reading pieces you heavily relate to woven in between myth and fantasy makes both the pain and the healing of it all a little more magic. Applause to the author for weaving all these elements together so majestically.