Book Review: Sonnets of Love and Joy
Sonnets of Love and Joy. Paul Buchheit, Kelsay Books, 2023, Paperback and eBook, 85 pages.
Reviewed by Matthew Schnur.
Upon reading Sonnets of Love and Joy, the reader is immediately drawn into the beauty of the language. Paul Buchheit seems to choreograph with the words. His steps perfectly fit the form. The sonnet form can feel constricted and confining for some readers, but Mr. Buchheit seems to be well-suited to convey these vignettes in this form.
Each of the sections of this well-organized and artfully done book has its unique joys. In the first section, Love of Another, the poem, As I See You, is striking. The simplicity it expresses is subtle but layered.
And like the dawn your vision thrills: …
sweeps away my discontent.
This line exemplifies subtle complexity. Simple on the surface–a first read, a glance. After a second read, there is the relief in that gaze. At times, we are all discontented, slightly dissatisfied, and our lovers seem to remove that feeling simply by sight. This expresses that feeling of satisfaction, of contentment in the gaze of a lover nearly perfectly.
Every page that contains a poem also includes a work of art associated, in its way, with the poem. This was a clever junction of art forms. Taking a deeper look into the pictures can glean even greater meaning of the poem. The artwork, Stormy Landscape, Rembrandt 1638, accompanying the poem, Storm, fit the mood of the poem quite well. The colors of the painting depicted added a layer to the poem that otherwise would have felt absent.
In the section, Joy of Children, the poem, Daughter, shows a father’s love clearly. The poem depicts the rebirth of wonder that a father feels witnessing their child’s ignition of curiosity as they seek knowledge and explore the world. Perfect.
On my lap a dawning mind, a word and letter toolbox…
Some poems felt a bit forced. The section In the Spirit of Shakespeare could have been omitted and the collection would have been stronger. As readers and writers, we owe The Bard for mastering the sonnet form and sharing his skill with us. The desire to pay homage is understandable. This section said little new, though, unlike the other sections.
Lovers of the sonnet form will be delighted with the more modern language used throughout. At 85 pages, Sonnets of Love and Joy is well worth the read. There are epiphanies and joys inside.