Our Top Five Poetry Collections

So, since we’ve done our top five science-fiction novels and our top five fantasy novels, it seemed only fair to do our own top five poetry books. So, if haikus and limericks are your thing, then we suggest you keep reading!

Number One:

Thinking of Santorini – Poems 1974-2015, by Andy Godfrey

Beginning with a sunrise seen from the plane to Australia, to noticing shadows on the way by bus into Hamburg, this collection spans four decades. A remarkable journey - in both space and time.

As an outsider in both Australia and Germany, the author avoids the merely descriptive, giving us a profound understanding of her keen observations and emotions. What is striking is not only the breadth of experience reflected in the poems, but their subtleties of tone; these range from entertaining glimpses of pre-Christmas Sydneysiders, through a slyly ironic note - as in 'Fairy Stories' - to the lyrical beauty found in 'Kreta' and 'Thinking of Santorini', or the quietly conversational 'Chiaroscuro'.

Number Two:

Through the Leaves of My Tree, by Liz Gillespie

Poetry is a unique craft of words driven by the inner thoughts of the poet's personal experiences.

In this collection by Liz Gillespie most of the material is gleaned from her personal life and family.

The enjoyment of poetry is not only to absorb the subject but to read it... unfettered with grammar and punctuation conventions. If you have a musical aptitude, you will automatically create your very own song with the natural cadence of the verses.

A well-written and thought-provoking list of stanzas.

Number Three:

Willy Worm, by Colin J Nicholls

My name is William Wormsworth Worm,

I am three inches long

I am a slithering, dirty worm

Who loves to sing a song.

Willy Worm is a fun-loving worm who couldn’t be happier than singing a few songs in his shed or watching the kids play in their gardens.

But if only life were that easy! Follow Willy as he finds himself in a few scrapes along the way, from a trip to a football game to a run in with a rather naughty little boy!

Number Four:

Cockleshells: A Book of People Poetry, Tricia Sturgeon

In this book of inspiring, thought provoking poems Tricia takes us on a journey through life and the feelings that accompany us, as human beings, along the way. This varied collection of poetry looks at an array of life events and as you read through these beautifully written verses it will warm your heart and leave you with a feeling of contentment.

All royalties received by the author will be donated to animal charities.

Number Five:

Kaleidoscope - A Profile of Poetry of a Country Loving Woman, by Elizabeth Love

This is a lovely collection of poems consisting of observations of nature, reminiscences, views on topical matters and everyday subjects, experiences, sensations, ideas and emotions; a true and fascinating profile of a country loving person. The reader will immediately be able to identify with these subjects and appreciate the sentiments so clearly expressed.