Review of Winter Songs
Benjamin Afer, or Panama Hat as I know him, is a man who knows his poetry, in fact he has reached that place that only those who truly understand the full breadth of a topic ever reach.
The book is divided into a collection of what he has called Winter Songs, which takes up most of the book, and at the back is a short essay on poetry. As the title suggests, the poems are mostly about winter, whether it be the topic of the poem or the setting for a different topic. There are afew other poems, for example ‘Gainful Employment’ which is a parody on Rumi, in imitation of Mcgonagall, and one called ‘The End Times’ though in a way, winter is also an end time so it fits the theme.
The essay is especially good. Benjamin explains very well why a retvrn to traditional poetry is not necessarily the best idea, if we wish to continue to hold onto the dying art of authentic poetry. As reproduction of these poems is permitted by Benjamin, I provide one here in the hopes it will entice you to get your paws upon this good book.
Evening Mass
Great is the mass,
This eventide
In song, liturgy proved.
How rich His word,
How stark His truth,
Doubts by His art, removed.
When faith degrades,
And reason clogs
Poets alone reveal.
Though clerics stress
To truss the faith,
At song alone, I yield.