What do you think?
Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit
2019 Readers' Favorite Poetry Award: Honorable Mention - Inspirational
This calming and inspiring book of poetry, written by multi-award winning poet Gary W. Burns, is a helpful tool for meditation and healing. Offering moments of transcendent reflection the poems in this collection foster well-being and engender personal growth. Kindling reflection on one's Nature the poetry opens the vista of contemplation. The various themes that run throughout the book include love, peacefulness, nature, and mindfulness.
Featuring poetry inspired to a great degree by Zen Buddhist and Taoist thought the four sections of the book Aerial, Suspension, Crossing and Banks are accessible and laud the timelessness of the human spirit.
This volume of short one page poems is a nice book to have by your favorite chair or your favorite place of reading and there to read now and again to create a meditative and calming retreat from a stressful world.
This calming and inspiring book of poetry, written by multi-award winning poet Gary W. Burns, is a helpful tool for meditation and healing. Offering moments of transcendent reflection the poems in this collection foster well-being and engender personal growth. Kindling reflection on one's Nature the poetry opens the vista of contemplation. The various themes that run throughout the book include love, peacefulness, nature, and mindfulness.
Featuring poetry inspired to a great degree by Zen Buddhist and Taoist thought the four sections of the book Aerial, Suspension, Crossing and Banks are accessible and laud the timelessness of the human spirit.
This volume of short one page poems is a nice book to have by your favorite chair or your favorite place of reading and there to read now and again to create a meditative and calming retreat from a stressful world.
104 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2014
About the author
Gary W. Burns
11 books18 followersInspired by nature and the beauty around him Gary W. Burns started writing poetry at a young age. Early on Gary was able to express his thoughts, ideas and emotions through the vivid imagery of his verse. His poetry has been published in various literary arts journals, anthologies and magazines. He is the author of 10 books of poetry. Through his poems Gary shares his reflections on the many facets of life and on the beauty of nature. The expressiveness of his poetry has been enriched by his wide reading in philosophy and psychology. He has traveled throughout the world and has lived in numerous countries, to include, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada. He has also lived in Hawaii and several other states. Currently, Gary makes his home in Northern Virginia near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 27, 2018
Bridges: To There, Poems for Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is a collection of nature inspired short poems. Sixty-nine short poems are attractively set out, one to a page, and divided into sections: Aerial, Suspension, Crossing and Banks. Each thought-provoking verse is around four or five lines – the majority no more than ten. Photographs complement the start of each section.
Bridges: To There is a delightful and thoughtful collection that readers who enjoy inspiring verses will appreciate. I found it was best read at a slow pace, savoring and pondering the messages of each poem. I love poems that connect nature with our inner lives or selves and prompt us to see parallels or messages in the way creation behaves. The short lengths suit poems such as these with reflective points, ideas and truths. Sky and stars feature in many of the Gary W. Burns's poems in this book, prompting me to consider the gentle and changing nature of the atmosphere or space, and how our own busy lives might compare with this “just being”. My favorites though included Nature’s Care and its message of Nature’s stillness and beauty, and Journey’s Mystery speaking of the way we must follow life’s path without knowing or realization:
“Each turn
In every road
Leads,
We follow
Journey's Mystery” page 86
Burns’s poems are an invitation for the reader to pause and consider life in an insightful and thoughtful way, and to remember the important things: our connection with others, love, our sense of peace and ability to “just be”. As we are travelers through life, nature can show us the way with its unaffected and unforced ways, and being observant enough to see and absorb this can give balance, strength and peace. A book that would make a lovely gift and definitely one to keep nearby to dip into at quiet moments.
Review based on reviewers' copy.
Bridges: To There is a delightful and thoughtful collection that readers who enjoy inspiring verses will appreciate. I found it was best read at a slow pace, savoring and pondering the messages of each poem. I love poems that connect nature with our inner lives or selves and prompt us to see parallels or messages in the way creation behaves. The short lengths suit poems such as these with reflective points, ideas and truths. Sky and stars feature in many of the Gary W. Burns's poems in this book, prompting me to consider the gentle and changing nature of the atmosphere or space, and how our own busy lives might compare with this “just being”. My favorites though included Nature’s Care and its message of Nature’s stillness and beauty, and Journey’s Mystery speaking of the way we must follow life’s path without knowing or realization:
“Each turn
In every road
Leads,
We follow
Journey's Mystery” page 86
Burns’s poems are an invitation for the reader to pause and consider life in an insightful and thoughtful way, and to remember the important things: our connection with others, love, our sense of peace and ability to “just be”. As we are travelers through life, nature can show us the way with its unaffected and unforced ways, and being observant enough to see and absorb this can give balance, strength and peace. A book that would make a lovely gift and definitely one to keep nearby to dip into at quiet moments.
Review based on reviewers' copy.
August 27, 2018
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Peaceful, contemplative and evocative, the poems in Bridges: To There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit by Gary W. Burns provide the opportunity to relax and reflect. Cleverly divided into four sections representing different types of bridges, their purpose and their grounding, the poems reflect those characteristics. Aerial poems focus on the sky, clouds, wind and love. Suspension poems offer feelings of support or the things that help us love ourselves and one another, such as compassion, meditation, spirit and, again, love. The Crossing section seems to also incorporate how to center oneself, but also deals with love, balance and unity. The final section, Banks, feels earthier just as the banks ground the ends of a bridge. The earth, seasons, day/night and balance are topics as are beauty, happiness and love.
Read and savored individually, each poem can serve as a focus for meditation or deep contemplation. Alternately, the words can bring a smile to your face as you briefly think about the image that comes to mind, providing peace, tranquility and a deep spiritual connection. Either way, Bridges: To There is a pleasant experience you can return to over and over. Along with beautiful verse, Bridges: To There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit contains stunning photos and artwork to support the themes of the poems, adding to the relaxing effects of the words. Gary W. Burns has created a complete experience to help deal with the stresses of everyday life. Well done. Very soothing and thought provoking. Enjoy a connection to a world of peace with this engaging collection of delightful and thoughtful poems.
Peaceful, contemplative and evocative, the poems in Bridges: To There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit by Gary W. Burns provide the opportunity to relax and reflect. Cleverly divided into four sections representing different types of bridges, their purpose and their grounding, the poems reflect those characteristics. Aerial poems focus on the sky, clouds, wind and love. Suspension poems offer feelings of support or the things that help us love ourselves and one another, such as compassion, meditation, spirit and, again, love. The Crossing section seems to also incorporate how to center oneself, but also deals with love, balance and unity. The final section, Banks, feels earthier just as the banks ground the ends of a bridge. The earth, seasons, day/night and balance are topics as are beauty, happiness and love.
Read and savored individually, each poem can serve as a focus for meditation or deep contemplation. Alternately, the words can bring a smile to your face as you briefly think about the image that comes to mind, providing peace, tranquility and a deep spiritual connection. Either way, Bridges: To There is a pleasant experience you can return to over and over. Along with beautiful verse, Bridges: To There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit contains stunning photos and artwork to support the themes of the poems, adding to the relaxing effects of the words. Gary W. Burns has created a complete experience to help deal with the stresses of everyday life. Well done. Very soothing and thought provoking. Enjoy a connection to a world of peace with this engaging collection of delightful and thoughtful poems.
July 18, 2018
Profoundly captivating and lyrical, Bridges: To There - Poems for Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is an enchanting collection reflecting various themes. It is divided into four sections: Aerial, Suspension, Crossing and Banks. In the first section, the poet’s message revolves around the importance of appreciation of oneself. Love, truth, freedom and gratitude are attributes that are also predominant in this segment. In the second part, the themes of love, compassion, imagination, the beauty of simplicity, harmony and peace are highlighted. In the third part, awareness, stability, calm and intimacy are explored while the fourth part closes with a particular focus on beauty and reflection.
All the poems in Bridges: To There are reflective and evocative. I was taken away from my fast-paced world into a new dimension of calm and simplicity filled with splendor. Gary W. Burns starts the section titled Aerial with an appeal. The request expresses the need to celebrate oneself. I found this to be unique and it served as a great reminder to me to celebrate myself amidst the mayhem of the modern world. I specifically loved particular poems more. In the poem Harmonious, the poet acknowledges the importance of simplicity in the drive and desire for balance or harmony. The poem titled Perhaps helped me appreciate my current moments and realize that what I really need ... perhaps I already have. The beautiful images are a delightful backdrop to the poems. I enjoyed the imagery, the simplicity of the poems and the depth that each of them contained.
All the poems in Bridges: To There are reflective and evocative. I was taken away from my fast-paced world into a new dimension of calm and simplicity filled with splendor. Gary W. Burns starts the section titled Aerial with an appeal. The request expresses the need to celebrate oneself. I found this to be unique and it served as a great reminder to me to celebrate myself amidst the mayhem of the modern world. I specifically loved particular poems more. In the poem Harmonious, the poet acknowledges the importance of simplicity in the drive and desire for balance or harmony. The poem titled Perhaps helped me appreciate my current moments and realize that what I really need ... perhaps I already have. The beautiful images are a delightful backdrop to the poems. I enjoyed the imagery, the simplicity of the poems and the depth that each of them contained.
August 28, 2018
From love to reflection, journeys to interpretations, Gary W. Burns' Bridges: To There is a collection of short poems that reflect on many things, and encourage the reader, in turn, to reflect on themselves. Peaceful, tranquil, and relaxing are but a few things stirred as the poems invite you to experience mindfulness and appreciate all each poem has to offer in the here and now. Take a moment and find yourself in reflection, harmony, and thought.
Bridges: To There - Poems for Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is a book of poetry you can take as much or as little as you want from. On the surface level you will find some beautiful words, verses, and imagery, but looking deeper you'll unlock a multitude of different meanings, thoughts, and reflections limited only by your own imagination. You can easily visualize some of the scenes, and others will stay with you long after you've turned the pages. There are even nice thoughts to meditate on, as the title suggests.
As a holistic therapist, I always enjoy things that will make me think on different levels, and I liked the short verses, as they're easy to hold in your mind while you do other things. Sometimes simplicity is best, and there is certainly no waste of words. The collection itself is segmented into parts - Aerial, Suspension, Crossing, and Banks - with each including some beautiful photographs. This book is perfect for a lazy afternoon read surrounded by nature. There is a lot to enjoy about this book, and it is certainly reflective and filled with rich imagery.
Bridges: To There - Poems for Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is a book of poetry you can take as much or as little as you want from. On the surface level you will find some beautiful words, verses, and imagery, but looking deeper you'll unlock a multitude of different meanings, thoughts, and reflections limited only by your own imagination. You can easily visualize some of the scenes, and others will stay with you long after you've turned the pages. There are even nice thoughts to meditate on, as the title suggests.
As a holistic therapist, I always enjoy things that will make me think on different levels, and I liked the short verses, as they're easy to hold in your mind while you do other things. Sometimes simplicity is best, and there is certainly no waste of words. The collection itself is segmented into parts - Aerial, Suspension, Crossing, and Banks - with each including some beautiful photographs. This book is perfect for a lazy afternoon read surrounded by nature. There is a lot to enjoy about this book, and it is certainly reflective and filled with rich imagery.
April 27, 2019
Reflective contemplation
Virginia poet Gary W. Burns has traveled throughout the globe, absorbing the beauties of nature and witnessing people’s reaction to life and love, the longing for peace and harmony, and he offers those contemplations in this collection of poems.
Much of the joy that these poems share is attributed to the quality of style with which they are presented. The poems are accompanied by images – both photographic of various bridges and line drawings, all of which contribute to the meditative atmosphere these poems create. Some examples follow to underline this description.
You
Whatever you do
Don’t hesitate
To celebrate
You
Compassion
Compassion
Is living
By giving:
Share
In the time there is to care
Simply stated, eloquently rendered, these poems awaken a new love for poetry’s healing powers – especially in the hands of Gary Burns. Recommended.
Virginia poet Gary W. Burns has traveled throughout the globe, absorbing the beauties of nature and witnessing people’s reaction to life and love, the longing for peace and harmony, and he offers those contemplations in this collection of poems.
Much of the joy that these poems share is attributed to the quality of style with which they are presented. The poems are accompanied by images – both photographic of various bridges and line drawings, all of which contribute to the meditative atmosphere these poems create. Some examples follow to underline this description.
You
Whatever you do
Don’t hesitate
To celebrate
You
Compassion
Compassion
Is living
By giving:
Share
In the time there is to care
Simply stated, eloquently rendered, these poems awaken a new love for poetry’s healing powers – especially in the hands of Gary Burns. Recommended.
November 3, 2020
Some time ago, trying to make my first steps in Poetry reading, I ran into Gary W. Burns, and I could not be more delighted with his work. Through his poems, this author shares his reflections on life and on the beauty of nature.
In this particular book, “Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit”, he was inspired by the many facets of bridges, as well as the sense of balance and well-being. There are 4 chapters on it: Aerial, Suspension, Crossing, and Banks. All along the poems, there is the background motivating idea of moving forward, crossing bridges in the right pathway, to get and maintain inner peace and harmony.
As in many of his books, each chapter is enriched by beautiful pictures of bridges, peaceful rivers, unique flowers and calming landscapes which invite to contemplation.
Once again, Gary W. Burns surpassed my expectations with poems full of harmony and serenity, being a pleasing tool for meditation, peacefulness and healing.
In this particular book, “Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit”, he was inspired by the many facets of bridges, as well as the sense of balance and well-being. There are 4 chapters on it: Aerial, Suspension, Crossing, and Banks. All along the poems, there is the background motivating idea of moving forward, crossing bridges in the right pathway, to get and maintain inner peace and harmony.
As in many of his books, each chapter is enriched by beautiful pictures of bridges, peaceful rivers, unique flowers and calming landscapes which invite to contemplation.
Once again, Gary W. Burns surpassed my expectations with poems full of harmony and serenity, being a pleasing tool for meditation, peacefulness and healing.
November 3, 2020
Life is hectic, isn’t it? I am pretty sure we all want to walk through life feeling in harmony with ourselves and with the world and to feel in peace.
As the title suggests, this book would help readers walk over a bridge that would take them there.
In a collection of short poems, Burns gives us tools on how to find that inner peace we all desire. The poems are made up of short sentences, what turns the book into one we can have next to our beds and check every time we feel uneasy or take to any trip we embark on.
Words of peace, reflections, spiritual connections, wellness and the beauty of life are the main themes present throughout the pages. I believe these poems can even be read before meditating or practicing yoga.
This book’s author has travelled around the world and has absorbed so much about the beauty of it that he has done a great job putting pen to paper and sharing with us what he has been able to embrace.
November 5, 2020
“Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit” is a beautiful collection of short poems. The author of this work, Gary W. Burns, has created such a peaceful and inspirational book which I just couldn’t stop reading.
This book includes a number of poems which cover a lot of topics such as love, reflection, journeys and meditation creating a great atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. From the first poem to the last, I felt all the time encouraged to reflect about myself and my own experiences. It transmits calm and harmony in every piece of poetry, It’s amazing!
Personally, before I started reading this book, I wasn’t able to relax and contemplate things from a different point of view. But, poem after poem, I began to experience a calming effect and thoughtful moments which brought me a sense of balance and well-being.
All in all, this is a great compilation of poems which I highly recommend. For me, it’s the best partner for these difficult times!
This book includes a number of poems which cover a lot of topics such as love, reflection, journeys and meditation creating a great atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. From the first poem to the last, I felt all the time encouraged to reflect about myself and my own experiences. It transmits calm and harmony in every piece of poetry, It’s amazing!
Personally, before I started reading this book, I wasn’t able to relax and contemplate things from a different point of view. But, poem after poem, I began to experience a calming effect and thoughtful moments which brought me a sense of balance and well-being.
All in all, this is a great compilation of poems which I highly recommend. For me, it’s the best partner for these difficult times!
November 6, 2020
Gary W. Burns is the talented and great man behind the book “Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit”. I really loved his writing style; it is clever and painfully passionate. He is able to express his ideas and thoughts in a fascinating way with vivid imagery and awesome details.
This masterpiece is a must have for your heart, especially right now during the uncertain, chaotic and hard times of quarantine that we are living. This compilation of poems is a beautiful reminder to look inwards.
Each poem is more powerful than the previous one, and its 97 pages brought me a little of magic into my days. It is a reminder to breathe, look around, and open your heart to the Universe and nature. While I was immersed in the book I found myself smiling, laughing and tearing up.
I highly recommend to read Bridges: To There as it will fulfill the reader's expectations with inspirational thoughts. l adored this book and can't wait for more to come!
This masterpiece is a must have for your heart, especially right now during the uncertain, chaotic and hard times of quarantine that we are living. This compilation of poems is a beautiful reminder to look inwards.
Each poem is more powerful than the previous one, and its 97 pages brought me a little of magic into my days. It is a reminder to breathe, look around, and open your heart to the Universe and nature. While I was immersed in the book I found myself smiling, laughing and tearing up.
I highly recommend to read Bridges: To There as it will fulfill the reader's expectations with inspirational thoughts. l adored this book and can't wait for more to come!
November 3, 2020
Quality poems that will touch your soul
Bridges To There, which was written by Gary W. Burns, contains around 70 poems about diverse topics. Some of them, for instance, are about nature, love, AND passion, among other deep feelings.
This is the book that will help you turn the page, and look into the bright side of everything.
The author puts into words what cannot generally be described. There is something about these poems that transmitS calmness, that creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. It is this feeling that was generated in me that made me want to recommend this book. During this time of pandemic, it is difficult to find mental relaxation and stability, and I am sure this reader can help you too.
I believe this book should be bought by both teenagers and adults. And I hope these poems will help you through these uncertain ages, too.
Bridges To There, which was written by Gary W. Burns, contains around 70 poems about diverse topics. Some of them, for instance, are about nature, love, AND passion, among other deep feelings.
This is the book that will help you turn the page, and look into the bright side of everything.
The author puts into words what cannot generally be described. There is something about these poems that transmitS calmness, that creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. It is this feeling that was generated in me that made me want to recommend this book. During this time of pandemic, it is difficult to find mental relaxation and stability, and I am sure this reader can help you too.
I believe this book should be bought by both teenagers and adults. And I hope these poems will help you through these uncertain ages, too.
April 29, 2019
Bridges: To There - Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is a soothing, contemplative collection of poems that the author has infused with meaning. Using simple language and relatively short poems, Burns is able to convey an inspirational mix of poems for those solitary, quiet moments. Photographs add a thoughtful addition to this lovely collection, helping to imbue the short poems with even more meaning. The book is divided into four sections, each evoking and supporting their respective themes. This is an excellent collection of gentle poetry that will calm your senses, and create a sense of well being. A short and fast read, this small collection is just what is needed in today's hectic world. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2020
Bridges: to there - poems for the mind, body and spirit is a book written by Gary W. Burns. It is a great read that brings inner peace and harmony. When I read this in the description, I did not think it was like that but after reading some poems I knew that I was wrong. They are certainly inspirational and while reading them there were many emotions going on in my mind. I have never meditated because I find it difficult to stop thinking about other things, but reading these poems helped me to concentrate in a way I have never experienced before.
The author’s writing style is very good and enjoyable; I felt immersed in the reading and I did not want to put the book down. I recommend reading these poems to all those people wanting to relax and enjoy a great piece of writing.
The author’s writing style is very good and enjoyable; I felt immersed in the reading and I did not want to put the book down. I recommend reading these poems to all those people wanting to relax and enjoy a great piece of writing.
August 24, 2018
Written for Readersfavorite.com
Bridges to There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit by Gary W. Burns is an inspirational book of poems. It has poems that will help you contemplate and relax. Gary W. Burns has a way of using rhythm and rhyme to help you find a sense of peace and calm. It’s like music for your soul. He has a unique way of world building. You can feel the love and peace. It is a short and fast read, and one that you should keep nearby for those times when you want to relax. It has beautiful pictures as well. A great book to keep by your side, and to read with a cup of tea.
I was happy to see another book of poems by Gary W. Burns. Bridges to There: Poems for the Mind, Body and Spirit did not disappoint. It is just as peaceful and relaxing as his Garden Walks book of poems. Gary W. Burns has a wonderful way of using rhythm and rhymes that is almost hypnotizing. The Cadence is spot on as well. It really is like music, without the background noise. I love how he uses nature to build “worlds” and scenery. Even the photos he uses are peaceful. I almost wish I had these in real book format, to keep on my nightstand, for the times when I need to relax. I deal with Anxiety, and always looking for ways to combat it, and Gary’s Poetry is a wonderful addition to help fight it. I am now officially a fan of his.
Bridges to There: Poems for Mind, Body and Spirit by Gary W. Burns is an inspirational book of poems. It has poems that will help you contemplate and relax. Gary W. Burns has a way of using rhythm and rhyme to help you find a sense of peace and calm. It’s like music for your soul. He has a unique way of world building. You can feel the love and peace. It is a short and fast read, and one that you should keep nearby for those times when you want to relax. It has beautiful pictures as well. A great book to keep by your side, and to read with a cup of tea.
I was happy to see another book of poems by Gary W. Burns. Bridges to There: Poems for the Mind, Body and Spirit did not disappoint. It is just as peaceful and relaxing as his Garden Walks book of poems. Gary W. Burns has a wonderful way of using rhythm and rhymes that is almost hypnotizing. The Cadence is spot on as well. It really is like music, without the background noise. I love how he uses nature to build “worlds” and scenery. Even the photos he uses are peaceful. I almost wish I had these in real book format, to keep on my nightstand, for the times when I need to relax. I deal with Anxiety, and always looking for ways to combat it, and Gary’s Poetry is a wonderful addition to help fight it. I am now officially a fan of his.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews