From the time I read the opening lines of Unleash the Poem Within, I knew that I was not dealing with a typical poetry book. The irreverent subtitle to the Introduction “Why Write Poetry? I’ve Got Dishes and Laundry to Do!” tells us some important facts about this book. Nyemaster is a real woman who understands the challenges of juggling a busy life, she doesn’t take herself too seriously, and despite her dedication to poetry, is able to take it lightly and inject a dose of irreverent humour into her writing.
“First things first: If you are thinking of making your fortune or getting on the Oprah Winfrey Show, writing poetry is not the way to do it. And even if you think poetry can get you there, this book won’t. If you think this is your ticket to fame or notoriety of any kind, your time is better spent on those dishes and laundry.”
And so I was launched into a unique book that focuses on the power of poetry in helping women to come to know themselves better through the self-examination that occurs while writing.
Readers should come prepared to set aside the lingering remnants of forced poetry assignments in high school, and the angst-filled free verse poems composed to express those terribly hormonal years. While those works may provide valuable reflections into the person you once were, and are to be cherished as such, it's time to move beyond these limited conceptions of poetry. Nyemaster focuses on 10 distinct forms or types of poetry. Since her focus is self-discovery, she never encourages bondage to rigid forms but rather encourages flexibility and experimentation.
Each chapter is dedicated to a poetic style: sonnet, sestina, list, ghazal, haiku, villanelle, letter, prayer, epiphany and ode. Some forms are familiar favourites, such as the haiku; others will drive you to pick up the book just to find out what, exactly a ghazal is. The chapters are filled to overflowing with a wealth of information and insight. Each begins with an introduction to the type of poem and insights from Nyemaster’s life as she shares how the specific form speaks to her, and how it has impacted her.
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