Dragonfly Tomorrow’s and Dog-Eared Yesterdays by Author D.L. Lang
Reviewed by Realistic Poetry International
Author D.L. Lang's masterful "Dragonfly Tomorrows and Dog-eared Yesterdays" proves just exactly why the talented Author has been crowned as the second poet laureate of California state in the city of Vallejo, leaving us in complete awe with some of the most immaculate verses and compassionate words!
An ingenious visionary and virtuous human moral-compass, Lang makes writing poetry seem effortless, hypnotizing us with fantasy-like analogies that cleverly unravel meaningful and philosophical multi-layered themes. Each theme underlines and mirrors many different colors and faces of life and humanity.
One of our personal favorites, "There Are," uses a mesmeric scenic concept that includes metaphorically arranged verses which ultimately unveil an enlightening message. Tantalizing our senses with bright euphonic photographs of nature accompanied by both figurative and literal subjects the Author writes,
"There are songs that only the ocean can sing. There are poems that only the flowers can write. There are paintings that only the sun can create. There are plays that only the animals can recite;"
Charming us with chimerical, marvelous visions! She then goes on to say, "There are sculptures only the river can mold...There are dreams that only grow on trees," then leads directly into a dramatic, pivotal ending, "Yet humans can see something that can only be sold."
Author D.L. Lang's lovely portraits of inspiration captivate us with beautiful, provoking portrayals of art that appear to symbolize strengths such as ambition, creation and imagination, yet and still, her picturesque illustrations don’t shy her away from exposing her core, jagged, blunt truth one bit.
This ironic combination or blend of visual beauty, art and graphics is even more compelling when interwoven with personal, societal and collective humanistic ideas and theories near to the Author’s heart. One of our favorite examples of this is the poem “Humanity.” While her words breathe beauty and delight, she also figuratively addresses the state of humanity saying, “We are bound together like flower petals----each distinct yet connected.”
A master of her craft, Author D.L. Lang seems to have a strategic and methodical approach to her writing style, taking each verse like a thread and meticulously interweaving it with the next thought to form thorough, unique explanations, descriptions and points, all with a key center-focus.
Some are fun, nostalgic, simple and homey like the cheerful “Dixon May Fair,” while other poems such as “Class Participation” carry a sterner tone and are social novelties that zoom in on specific issues or situations to openly examine and offer thoughts of improvement.
In “Class Participation,” Author D.L. Lang boldly speaks for all the introverts of the educational system who oppose what she calls, “the extravert model of education,” which Lang says is essentially “rapid dissemination of several factoids of information followed by a demand for instant observations.”
In other words, she paints the typical learning experience to be a swift and short-lived one, making it nearly impossible to digest all the necessary information required to learn properly. And although this may be the ‘norm’ for some, Lang explains how such a style and way of teaching leaves her introverted self ‘frustrated,’ and apparently other introverts too, as she entwines the subjective pronoun, ‘we,’ in the exact same verse.
We feel the Author’s proficient execution of this poem and convincing delivery of the message displays her great skill, deep thoughtfulness, authentic courage and admirable efficiency, in which ALL are extremely attractive attributes to readers in the poetry world.
For these reasons, Author D.L. Lang wins us on several different levels. This includes but is not limited to the degree of amusement or entertainment we receive from the bits and pieces of humor hinting through some of her words (“Street Mouse”), how relatable and easy it is for us to connect with many of the experiences elaborated on throughout the collection (“Antisocial Media”), and lastly, the impact and involvement of the many different creative aspects and elements of poetry such as form, structure, sound (rhythm and meter), word sounds, play with meaning, figurative comparisons, imagination, figurative/connotative devices (irony, simile, metaphors, paradoxes, etc.) and many more!
An all-comprehensive poetry collection, “Dragonfly Tomorrows and Dog-Eared Yesterdays” has a poem for nearly every common thought or typical situation, making it difficult to choose a favorite!
Our minds are soothed and comforted by wise, tranquil poems such as, "There's a Peace in Slowness," which is a great poem to read when life gets too busy and your mind feels overcrowded, kindly reminding us all to slow down; stop for a second to drink in the beautiful simplicities of life like the priceless "sparkling evening sky." How the Author’s humble spirit pours through her poetry like invisible silk is simply brilliant and helps readers to consider the invaluable splendor and glory of earths wondrous landscape, high and low, without the anxious thoughts of worldly woes.
There are many more favorites from this collection that we adore and can replay more than once such as “Renewed,” “Moments,” “Spring in the City,” “The Seeker,” and “Yes.” With various tales to tell, wise lessons to unwrap and positive bundles of hope waiting to spark your inspiration, this book makes poetry a pleasurable and worth-while read!
We’re extremely pleased to present this book with a 5-star rating and encourage you to get your copy today, you won’t be let down. We enjoyed the read and believe you will, too!
This book is available on Amazon for purchase at:
Original work, Author D.L. Lang, that will surely stand the tests of time.