Book Review - Fragments: Haiku and Verse of Seasons, by Ben Ditmars and Susie Clevenger

Fragments: Haiku and Verse of Seasons by Ben Ditmars

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"Fragments" is a poetry collection featuring poems by Ben Ditmars and Susie Clevenger. I have read a few of Ben Ditmars' books and he has also featured in some of the Mind's Eye Series anthologies that include some of my short stories, so I was familiar with his style of verse. I had not previously read any poetry by Susie Clevenger. I think these two poets have quite different voices but they work well together in this book. The book takes notable holiday dates of the year, for example Halloween and Thanksgiving, and each of the poets has written a few poems, in the form of either Haiku or short verse to express thoughts and memories relating to them. I am sure many people will relate to the themes in the book. One theme that runs throughout is how Covid has affected the way people can enjoy such celebrations. Ben Ditmars, in particular, has written some poignant verse that made me stop and think. His poetry is always quite profound and thought-provoking. Many of the poems have a bittersweet quality.

These two poets have taken universal thoughts and feelings surrounding holiday seasons and managed to express opinions and emotions that conjure up images in the reader's mind. It was a quick read, as the poems are short, but it was nonetheless enjoyable and nostalgic. It always surprises me how poets can tell a story in a short verse like Haiku.

All the profits from this book will go towards funding cancer research.



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