Selma's Amazon Review of "Ariel's Song" 4/1/24

Dawn Pisturino

April 1

(Graphic by Selma Martin)

I was absolutely thrilled when poet Selma Martin informed me today that she had left her review of my first poetry book, Ariel's Song: Published Poems, 1987 - 2023, on Amazon and her website. Regrettably, Selma has just experienced a personal loss that touched her deeply, and I was not expecting anything. Our hearts are with you, Selma!

Book Review of Ariel's Song: Published Poems, 1987-2023

Undergirded in a thread of tenderness the heart understands

Ariel's Song: Published Poems, 1987-2023–In this definitive collection selected from
published poems that have already received accolades, poet Dawn Pisturino presents
a personal selection of her best work from three decades.

It warmed my heart to see that the author dedicates the book of brilliantly crafted
verses to her daughter, Ariel: the collection is undergirded by a familiar thread of
tenderness that soon endears one to this author.

In this 130+ page collection of 60 poems, there's something for everyone in the
various styles and themes: twisted limericks to make you laugh, traditional sonnets
to make you think, love poems, dark poems, children's poems, nature poems, and
experimental poems.

The book launched on March 23, 2024, and I immediately received my digital copy.
I would have reviewed the book right away if it hadn't been for a family emergency
that has kept me numb all this time.

https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_kOI786t7K2gyi6&asin=B0CWP2MLPZ&tag=kpembed-20as seen on Amazon.com.

Use this link, please:
https://www.amazon.com/Ariels-Song-Published-Poems-1987-ebook/dp/B0CWP2MLPZ/

What a gift this book is! for its ability to resonate and uplift with a delicate blend
of words and symbolism that expertly balances nature and the human struggle. I
found many instances that resonated deeply and I'm confident a few poems will
do something similar for you. Some of my favorites are these:

"April Showers

I looked into the heavens

And saw the face of God.

He was a kindly gentleman

And not too very loud.

He wore a watch upon his vest

Which gave the time of day.

He looked at it: "The time has come,"

Was all he had to say.

And soon a gentle rainfall

Came from the April sky.

It kissed my wondering up-turned face

And poked me in the eye.

But then a very curious thing

Did happen at my feet.

A tiny flower sprouted up,

All blooming and complete.

It opened up its tiny leaves,

Embracing fast the rain,

And if I ever doubted God—I never did again."

First published on Gobblers & Masticadores on April 8, 2023.

Please read the rest of the review on Selma's website:

Update on print book:

It looks like I finally uploaded a cover file that Ingram Spark likes. As soon as all the proofs are approved, they will distribute the paperback on Amazon, etc.

I also re-formatted and revised the Word doc for Draft2Digital. As soon as all the proofs are approved, the paperback will be widely available on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.

The paperback is currently available in the Lulu Bookstore.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Dawn Pisturino

April 1, 2024