Official Review: The Way I Remember it - Alf : Xlibris

[L_Therese]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Way I Remember it - Alf : Xlibris" by Al Forbes.]

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Perhaps all literature is subjective, but if so, certainly poetry leads other genres in this measure. As this book is a poetry collection, I must admit this caveat from the beginning, and let all my opinions hereforward be regarded as the opinions of one who loves literature and most especially poetry but certainly no expert nor authoritative voice on the subject. That said, Mr. Forbes has placed great trust in his reader in publishing this collection. He has released his voice to any who would hear it, and though imperfect, it expresses itself as though entirely genuine.

This is a collection of slightly more than one hundred poems on various subjects. It includes verses on cherishing a loved one, struggling to make ends meet, pride in fatherhood, religious faith, regret, sickness, loss, loneliness, and friendship. There are humorous verses interspersed, such as “Weed” which is marijuana’s indignant defense of its own merits, and a few blatantly political comments, such as “NATO” and “A Day of Reckoning”. A reader should be warned that some of the poems contain language that requires maturity to read. Most of the poems are short and written in rhyming couplets, although there are exceptions to these rules.

At times, the poetry can seem a little juvenile. Sometimes the phrasing is clichéd; sometimes the rhythm breaks in an awkward manner; sometimes the rhyming can seem forced or pedestrian. There are many mechanical errors (mostly spelling) that do not seem to be deliberate, as might be acceptable in this genre.

In my opinion, though, these faults enhance my favorite aspect of the collection as a whole. These poems are genuine. If the phrasing seems overused, it is because these are turns of phrase that are embedded in cultural awareness and psyche. These poems are not the poems of the ineffable master; they are the work of the average person - that is, the average person who also possesses the inclination to record experiences and feelings in poetic form and the courage to release those same to the world at large. As such, they are more relatable and accessible for the average person. These poems will not require professional commentary to glean hidden meanings. They are heartfelt and sometimes humorous, and they reflect a mode of life and thought that is not uncommon. As such, I like them very much, not even in spite of their faults, but perhaps because of them.

This is the sort of collection that can inspire others to write. It is not the melody of Poe, the mystery of Dickinson, the rhythm of Cummings, the imagery of Rilke, or the brilliant wit of Nash, but it is real nonetheless and the more valuable for it. The flash of poignance as a line or phrase strikes home with truth and feeling is more marked for the ordinariness of subject, voice, vocabulary, and manner. Mr. Forbes here is a people’s poet.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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