Moonhold

by Lubomira Kourteva

This debut collection of poetry is a lyrical, mystical and visceral exploration of love and vision. Describing emotional landscapes with empathy and precision, the story explores the complexity of human connection, intimacy and separation. A timeless meditation on love as it transcends physical touch into spiritual oneness, and on the strength and fragility of the human spirit as it builds new life from decay. The title "moonhold" refers to holding space for love and life through all of its changing phases and uncertainties, as the waning is always held by the waxing. Flowing from one page to the next, all poems are untitled, interchanging minimalism with lyrical free verse to further portray the natural flow of love through all of its movings, stringing together words and perspectives as the necklace of life, inspired by the Buddhist philosophy of Indra’s net of jewels.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2019

About the author

Having lived across three continents, Lubomira Kourteva is a Canadian writer, storyteller, poet, essayist, and humanitarian. She is the author of poetry books "Moonhold" (2019) and "The God-like Things" (2021). She is the founder of "Art of Love", a publication dedicated to deepening our connections so that we lead more spiritually and emotionally fulfilling lives; by exploring the wisdom and secrets of our ancestors and unveiling the beauty beyond the veil and within ourselves. She teaches and writes on relationships, wellness, mysticism, and folklore.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end, just absolutely beautiful through and through! All comes alive in the pages and I feel myself very emotionally moved and soul touched! Rare gem that has my heart!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

No reader will come out of this book without feeling. From the start of the first poem, I was won. Until the last page, I was held, and even after, still am. This is a gorgeous book, so beautifully and elegantly written. I was drawn to it because I love everything that this author writes; from her longer prose and to her poetry, I am always swept away in some other world where I remain deeply inspired. This book made me feel the same way - swept me away completely. There's just something so magical about it and you just can't help but fall in love with it; I'll treasure it I feel forever.

The poems are steamy, healing, powerfully convincing and memorable; longer lyrical intertwining with minimal pieces allow for the deeply emotional experience intended by the author to portray the ever-changing nature of life and of relationships. Just like in her other book, the poems offer layers of depth that as a reader I enjoyed unveiling and exploring, and even meditating on. The author has an amazing way of expressing spiritual and philosophical concepts through the portrayal of human connections; and she is blessed with the true ability to express her emotions, while capturing the reader's own. The poems are beautifully written, offering sincere depth, meaning and insight; can be read and reread and reread.

[Lia Catani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, brilliant and truly unforgettable. In fluid and sensuous lines, the author captures the human condition and the unpredictability of life. Recognizing the divine in our physical needs for connection, warmth and shelter, she explores the sacred physicality of the human identity in a highly original and creative way.

This is a stunning and emotionally moving collection of poetry. It is deeply intimate and thought provoking, richly written and felt, with vivid imagery and a keen attention to musicality coupled with elegant, crystalline language. The intensity is often delicately set against the slow burning of anticipation. Heartbreak, romance, hope and wisdom -- this book holds everything in itself and it has become my daily ritual to re-read pieces of it and meditate upon them.

There is an aura that is very mystical, romantic and ethereal in her words that wraps around you and doesn't let go. The author is a brilliant poet and I believe her work is destined to find a place in readers' hearts just on the beautiful strength of her voice alone. Her words reveal us, see us, desire us, and she not only reflects the world but she continuously transforms it -- both tender and illuminating, enormous and resounding.

[Emma Blas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully rich and layered; lyrical longer pieces exploring love and separation are woven together with little pieces of heart and soul; the very ribs from the author’s own chest. The tension with which heartbreak is held by hope is exquisite; and told delicately, with profound and kind wisdom. The story gathers around the reader and I think will always be a part of us. I feel quite bereft now it’s finished and sit feeling strangely alone without its accompaniment. A truly beautiful and masterful collection of poems.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book of poetry. The writing is absolutely beautiful and there's just something about it that has my heart. I've re-read it a couple of times and each time I discover a new layer, feeling moved once again. While it's a book of love, and about love, having a mystical, sensual and romantic aura about it, there are many nuances and complexities in its almost minimalist approach, offering philosophical depth and opportunities for introspection, which I personally enjoy.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book of poetry. The writing is absolutely beautiful and there's just something about it that has my heart. I've re-read it a couple of times and each time I discover a new layer, feeling moved once again. While it's a book of love, and about love, having a mystical, sensual and romantic aura about it, there are many nuances and complexities in its almost minimalist approach, offering philosophical depth and opportunities for introspection, which I personally enjoy.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about Moonhold - it's easily one of the most beautiful poetry books I've ever read! The depth, the imagery, the desire, the lyricism, the emotion, it's all raw and poignant from the first poem, and the story holds you long after you've finished it. Absolutely brilliant!

[rose chai ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am utterly in love with this book.

With every page, every sentence, every phrase. The author has woven love into words in such a deep, profound way, that the feelings experienced while reading the book are palpable. Truly beautiful and unforgettable.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking and soul awakening. Her poetry is love itself. Absolutely beautifully written book that stays on my bedside table.

[Evelina Finn Mayette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems are truly beautiful, and filled with emotion in and between the lines. Intimate and touching all the way through. This book swept me away in another world, like magic.