battling his demons with a pen in lieu of a sword, harris takes the reader on a quest of self-discovery as he sorts through his traumas of loss, addiction, and societal defiance. this collection utilizes classic forms in non-conventional ways, pushing the envelope of surrealism to express real-world challenges, coupled with contemporary forms of writing and formatting to create a one-of-a-kind experience for his readers.
It’s hard to describe the feeling that poetry gives me. This book held some very deep words and feelings. W W Harris writes with such depth that the words get trapped inside your soul. Definitely recommend. You got to read this.
Scars & Lyres by Ww Harris is a poetry collection that grips your heart from the very first line and refuses to let go. This book is not just a collection of poems; it's a profound journey through the raw and vulnerable moments of life, delivered with exquisite craftsmanship and an emotional intensity that resonates deeply.
Harris's ability to convey complex emotions in such a beautifully poetic manner is nothing short of exceptional. Each poem feels like a window into the author's soul, offering glimpses of trauma, loss, and addiction, while also celebrating the strength and resilience that emerge from these struggles. The themes explored, including personal loss, the cyclical nature of existence, and the significance of names and art, are approached with a sensitivity and honesty that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
What sets "Scars & Lyres" apart is not just the subject matter, but the author's masterful use of language. The words dance across the pages with a rhythmic grace that underscores the emotional weight of each poem. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting scenes that stay etched in your mind long after you've turned the last page.
The collection's narrative quality draws you in, making you an intimate observer of the author's journey. Whether it's the vivid montage-like portrayal of loss in "Suicide," the haunting exploration of addiction, or the poignant reflection on the grit of life, every poem has a unique and resonant story to tell.
"Scars & Lyres" is a short collection that packs an incredible punch. Harris has created a poetic masterpiece that doesn't shy away from difficult topics but embraces them with courage and authenticity. The impact of the poems is both immediate and lasting, leaving you contemplating the intricate tapestry of human emotions long after you've finished reading.
This collection is a must-read for anyone who seeks poetry that pierces through the surface and delves deep into the human experience. "Scars & Lyres" is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless, awestruck, and ultimately transformed. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and profoundly touched by the power of words in the hands of a masterful poet.
In ww harris’ “Scars & Lyres,” the reader is taken on an emotional journey through harris’ profound experience with trauma and loss, and his reflections on the way they shape life. While the specifics of harris’ subject matter aren’t universal, the universal truths they depict are. Harris’ utilization of narrative and musicality lend a compellingly affecting quality to the writing that makes the short collection amenable to multiple close readings, despite the rough subject matter.
“Scars & Lyres” has several pieces that stand out to me for their use of form, rhythm, and theme. “Suicide,” an early example, stutters through the grisly details of just that, a suicide, while the speaker cradles their last memory of the victim. This poem stops and starts and stops again, reflecting the confusion and trauma of going through such a loss. Lines feel like montage, as we watch through harris’ words a slideshow of snapshots. Blood and viscera indelibly smash together with the memories of harmless relaxation, as if to ask, “how can these coexist?”. The question is made all the more painful by the poem’s final line, where “blood” barrels through that happy memory of smoking in the yard and all the speaker can impotently say is “don’t.”
This is a short collection of poetry that can be read through fairly quickly, so if you’re interested in poetry that reflects on themes of personal loss, the cyclical nature of life, the significance of names/labels, and art itself, “Scars & Lyres” is absolutely worth your time.
This poetry collection is a powerhouse of emotion and vulnerability. Every poem is a gut punch of visceral, raw language and image that brings the reader into the world of addiction, loss, pain, and the grit of life. Harris has crafted a flowing, lyrical journey that echoes these dark refrains. It's a quick read and it's well worth the ride. (TW and CW warnings should be noted: death, drugs, infant death, overdose, suicide.)
WOW! Scars & Lyres by ww harris is really, really good poetry and the only thing I dislike is how short it is. I do want to add a CW for drug use, suicide, and child death, they really pack a punch.