Description:
In "Wayward Words: Poems and Midnight Musings," Deborah Maxim offers an eclective mix of poems that reflect the every day human experience; heartache, joy, loss, and longing, along with the broader, darker strokes of political and social commentary.
Content Overview:
This anthology is divided into several thematic sections, each capturing unique facets of life, love, and the world around us.
- Dancing With Ellie: Kicking off the collection, this section includes poignant poems like "Dancing with Ellie," "Seville," and "Epic," exploring themes of love, longing, and life's ephemeral beauty.Haiku: A series of modern haikus such as "Dartmoor in 4 Seasons" encapsulating vignettes of life's transient beauty.Out of Eden: Poems like "Broken" and "Squirrels in My Attic" delve into personal grief and the complexities of emotional recovery.Other Stuff: This eclectic section features poems such as "Tree," "Owl," and "Modern Manhood," reflecting on nature, identity, and societal norms, some with a tongue- in -cheek humour.War and Politics: A no-holds-barred array of poems including "Before You Judge" and "Tory Bot," addressing the harsh realities of political strife and social injustices. Summer 24: Concluding the collection with more recent musings on life, death and empathy, featuring poems like "Who We Love" and "The Promised Land."
Themes:
Deborah Maxim's political poetry does not shy away from the tough questions and darker themes. She is a passionate avocate for Justice for Palestine and her work on the ongoing humanitarian crisis is particularly striking, delivering what many have called 'powerful' verses that challenge the complicity of silence. Her more personal verses are just as direct; throughout this collection, readers will find an honest and open exploration of human emotion, human foibles and human failings.
Style and Voice:
Maxim's style is both accessible and profound, avoiding intellectual abstraction in favor of relatable, heartfelt expression. Her voice is at once personal and universal, capturing moments of profound clarity and deep introspection.
Audience:
This collection is perfect for poetry lovers and those new to the genre alike. It is especially poignant for readers interested in contemporary issues, personal narratives, and the emotional landscapes that define our human experience. It has been described by readers as 'poetry for refuseniks' and 'poetry that speaks to us all'.
About the Author:
Deborah Maxim is a poet whose work resonates with readers around the world. She has published several other books of non-fiction, is working on her second novel and contriubtes regularly to a number of online poetry groups. She lives in Devon with her 'comfortably non-conformist family' and belongs entirely to herself.