Review of The False God's Lullaby

[John Rehg]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The False God's Lullaby" by Aaron Gedaliah.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The False God’s Lullaby is an intimate book of poetry. The book is divided into sections based on themes relating to life, including the need to belong, the specter of loss and death, and thoughts and dreams. The poems are in free verse form, though one incorporates some rhyming. Following the poetry sections, the author reflects in prose on subjects that mirror some of the themes or poems.

The author uses vivid images to evoke feelings. For example, in “Big Sur,” the author touches on the sadness of cemeteries: “I will not be found among endless marbled rows, that make the dead more dead in their obscurity.” In “Old Photograph,” the look of an unknown woman in a photograph, “a gentle gaze piercing the flow of time” paints a mystery from the past.

The author changes pace with “The Prog Drummer’s [Often Ignored] Advice,” the most rhythmic poem in the collection, the repetitive verses counting time, mimicking a drumbeat. There is a touching gentleness to the poem that supplies the book’s title, “The False God’s Lullaby,” and its inspiration is explained in the prose section.

Some subjects are so common one wouldn’t normally consider them, yet the poet reveals our universality. “Mirror” is one example, reflecting on looking in the mirror: “I only see my face etched by time’s cadence”.

Poetry is meant to be absorbed, and it’s worthwhile to read these poems multiple times to get the full impact. Though the author’s language and imagery skills are evident, a few poems went over my head or were about situations I have not experienced.

Good editing, well-organized theme arrangements, and thought-provoking verses make reading the poems enjoyable. The author succeeds in drawing out emotion. Even though I couldn’t relate to several poems, most were clear and vivid, so I did not detract from the rating. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone interested in personal poetry.

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The False God's Lullaby
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