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By Way of Introduction
By Way of Introduction is a compelling, emotionally rich poetry chapbook that examines internal struggles and loss, as well as how kindness and joy spawn resilience. This chapbook explores the soul through the lens of Internal Family Systems theory—the notion that each of us has a system of minds—as well as how healing involves discovering compassion in the core of your Self and extending that compassion toward all of your parts. Westby's superb command of craft and his sonic and spatial experimentation prove truly remarkable. He examines the nature of healing as being "Not a confrontation, but an openness / Not a battle, but the slow steady / Courage of curiosity." This vivid, deeply evocative chapbook prompts one "see if [they] might add / a simple note / of joy."
- GenresPoetry
61 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 20, 2022
By Way of Introduction is split into five parts. Healing, Worth, Seasons, Love, and the final is Compassion. Each part contains a handful of poems.
As I read I highlighted lines and while poems from each part. A treasure grove of gentle languages that seeks to coax trust and light from the reader.
My favorite poem has to be the very last
"perhaps on your journey
you will come across
a pool of infinite sorrow
jump in if you’d like"
I love how the title of the peice is the also the first line, and the image the short 12 lines paints for the reader is filled with happy possibility despite the acknowledge sorrow at the beginning.
The whole collection is both soft and profound. I very much enjoy the read.
As I read I highlighted lines and while poems from each part. A treasure grove of gentle languages that seeks to coax trust and light from the reader.
My favorite poem has to be the very last
"perhaps on your journey
you will come across
a pool of infinite sorrow
jump in if you’d like"
I love how the title of the peice is the also the first line, and the image the short 12 lines paints for the reader is filled with happy possibility despite the acknowledge sorrow at the beginning.
The whole collection is both soft and profound. I very much enjoy the read.
January 13, 2023
I cannot write praise for this poetry in any way, shape or form like the author does, but I won't let that stop me.
The poetry here shines a brilliant yet still encompassingly human light on both our humanity and essential goodness as well as the poet's own. His decades of work in the emotional healing world shine through, as does his innate and almost breathtaking degree of compassion...the gorgeous word-smithing seems almost icing on the cake. Thank you, Dr Westby - may we have another?
The poetry here shines a brilliant yet still encompassingly human light on both our humanity and essential goodness as well as the poet's own. His decades of work in the emotional healing world shine through, as does his innate and almost breathtaking degree of compassion...the gorgeous word-smithing seems almost icing on the cake. Thank you, Dr Westby - may we have another?
June 29, 2023
I just finished reading this one, and all I have to say is, Wow!
I was a little hesitant at the start, not going to lie. English is not my first language, so I thought this might be a little too complicated for me to understand. And then I read the Healing section, and I was mind blown. Every section that followed, including seasons, love, and compassion, made me fall in love with this author's writing more and more.
The author talks about grief in such vulnerable ways that it made me feel heard. I wanted to hug the author as I read through his experiences. I am grateful to have read this collection as it healed my soul a bit and made me smile.
Gravity, Self, 217, we imagine, repair, pause are some of my favorite poems from this book. After thinking for a while, I think Compassion was my favorite section of them all. it was a lovely end to a beautiful collection of poems.
Overall, I am super impressed and happy that I decided to read these. If you like shorter poetry books that deal with themes of healing, grief, mental health, and such, give this one a try. It is beautifully written!
I was a little hesitant at the start, not going to lie. English is not my first language, so I thought this might be a little too complicated for me to understand. And then I read the Healing section, and I was mind blown. Every section that followed, including seasons, love, and compassion, made me fall in love with this author's writing more and more.
The author talks about grief in such vulnerable ways that it made me feel heard. I wanted to hug the author as I read through his experiences. I am grateful to have read this collection as it healed my soul a bit and made me smile.
Gravity, Self, 217, we imagine, repair, pause are some of my favorite poems from this book. After thinking for a while, I think Compassion was my favorite section of them all. it was a lovely end to a beautiful collection of poems.
Overall, I am super impressed and happy that I decided to read these. If you like shorter poetry books that deal with themes of healing, grief, mental health, and such, give this one a try. It is beautifully written!
October 26, 2022
A journey through emotions.
Steve took me on a journey through his thoughts and feelings. From love to loss and true tales of happiness and sadness, he bears his soul in his own poetic style.
Steve took me on a journey through his thoughts and feelings. From love to loss and true tales of happiness and sadness, he bears his soul in his own poetic style.
November 18, 2022
Dr. Westby has captured the human experience with such beauty and grace. This collection resonates with such kind compassion that the reader cannot help but feel like they are sitting with a dear friend who really understands. Beautiful work.
October 25, 2022
This is a gorgeous collection, nicely curated and carefully thought out.
The verse is on first glance plain, but it is not simple. There are layers of soul embedded in the lines, with a current of sorrow and wisdom. They are quiet and elegant, but not opaque.
My particular favourites were Gravity, Human Being, 217, and Lent.
The poet and I do not share spiritual leanings but he has written his beliefs in verse so perfectly that I could entirely understand his spirit and agree with his depth of feeling.
I look forward to reading more from this poet.
The verse is on first glance plain, but it is not simple. There are layers of soul embedded in the lines, with a current of sorrow and wisdom. They are quiet and elegant, but not opaque.
My particular favourites were Gravity, Human Being, 217, and Lent.
The poet and I do not share spiritual leanings but he has written his beliefs in verse so perfectly that I could entirely understand his spirit and agree with his depth of feeling.
I look forward to reading more from this poet.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews