MORE STICKS AND STONES FALLING FROM THE SKY

Daniels offers a poetry collection that celebrates the freedom and surprise of contemporary verse.

The author, a poet and songwriter, presents a vibrant collection of works that blend theatrical sincerity, wit, whimsy, and introspection. Rather than follow a single theme or traditional structure, the anthology embraces variety, both in content and in form, offering readers a dynamic reading experience that feels honest and unrestrained. From start to finish, the collection celebrates freeform line breaks, stanza placement, and visual spacing that lend each page a unique rhythm. Many lean into abstraction, while others reflect on urgency, action, and the unpredictability of life. Pieces such as “Push, Push, Push!” will inspire introspection (“Life is a long game of pushing back”) and others, such as “A Recipe for Disaster,” are tongue-in-cheek, with veiled calls to consider where society stands: “Ask yourself one question, are you a recipe for a reason, / a recipe for love, or a recipe for disaster? / If you are either of the first two, share that recipe with the world! / But if you’re a recipe for disaster, just keep those ingredients and instructions to yourself.” These timely poems are balanced well with works such as “The Pink Pearl,” which provides a dose of lighthearted encouragement. The collection avoids traditional thematic cohesion, which is a strength as Daniels invites readers to approach the poems intuitively, in no particular order. Several pieces evoke a knowing smile with clever phrasing or offbeat perspective. Adding to the richness of the reading experience is a diverse set of illustrations by various contributing artists, including Jenya Hitz and Jassed Jae Baldemor. These varied visual elements are full of movement and complement the text without overpowering it, creating a dialogue between poem and image that further draws the reader in. Overall, this is a collection best kept on a bedside table, where it can be picked up often and read in small, meaningful doses.

A thoughtful, well-crafted blend of clarity and creativity.