THE POEMS OFROBIN R. RABII
The poems in this book are the insightful expressions of an author who is passionate about renewing the connection to our humanity. His words attempt to elevate and worship the ordinary moments in life; expose the poisons in becoming a political or religious ideologue; explore the strained relationship between the intellect and the heart; ponder the cosmic aspects of patriotism; reveal the invisible demons of love; and convey sensitive, but instructive, snippets about gender, race, and color. Mixed in with these thought-provoking utterances is the author's ailing sense of humor, offering the opportunity to view serious matters through the lens of comedy.
From the Preface
If the true wealth of the soul is determined by exposure to, or indulgence in, a diversity of life experiences, then the wealthiest among us are those who are wise enough to bathe their senses and their hopes and dreams in the oceans of open-mindedness. The waters of an open mind run deep to a vast and boundless space where the infinite varieties of "thought species" live unassumingly on the ocean floor of consciousness. Flowing quietly in the depths of the unknown, these untamed and lonesome thoughts abide far beyond the stagnating droplets of convention and light-years away from the familiar realms that exist on the surface of our awareness.
From the Introduction
When I feel, I write, and when I write, I feel. Writing from what you feel is not the same as writing from what you think. "Thinking writing" comes from a place that seeks expression within the confines of convention and training; it follows a certain order, loves parameters, and worships the ground that holds the stop signs on the road to your feelings. Every period matters in thinking writing, and punctuation is the king. "Feeling writing," when the heart instructs the mind, is an expression that is filled with wild passion and perfect flaws, and it knows only green lights at every intersection.
Miscellaneous Photos
African American Cultural Center
African American Cultural Center
The Book House at Stuyvesant Plaza
Barnes & Noble
Megan Publishing Review
The Poems of Robin R. Rabii is a book of poetry prefaced by a long introduction explaining the author’s philosophy and style of writing. Without using the term, Rabii describes his poetic style as free verse, unfettered by the restrictions of conventional grammar and punctuation. This is largely true, but he does not take it to the extremes that some poets do.
There are twenty-five poems of various length and on various topics, although the binding themes are the need for more love, compassion and friendship in the world, and less war, fighting, pollution and intolerance of every kind including sexual, religious and cultural differences.
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Pacific Book Review
Robin R. Rabii’s collection of poetry invites readers to explore and experience the inner workings of humanities existence from appreciating the small things in life, exploring the relationship of heart and mind as well as the corruption of politics. From the very first poem on readers are compelled to think of these topics from a new perspective and generate thought provoking conversation from what Rabii has written. His words and ideas sit with you long after reading them, making it impossible to forget.
All the poems in the collection are so compelling it is difficult to pick one as a favorite. It is easy to read through the collection in one sitting, but then you will want to come back time and time again. Rabii has created a fantastic piece of literature.
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OnlineBookClub.org Review
The Poems of Robin R. Rabii is a poetry collection that is simultaneously varied and unified. The central theme of this collection is connection, and it is expressed in a myriad of ways. Sometimes a poem shows the connection between two lovers; sometimes it shows the connection between a person and his/her nation. Whether showcased or strikingly absent, the theme is apparent in each and every poem.
Like any excellent poet, Robin R. Rabii's collection demands that the reader thinks about difficult subjects. The author does not shy away from topics like racism, homosexuality, religion, and sex. They are addressed frankly and powerfully, and the manner of address is often unexpected. The unexpected metaphor is one of poetry's most valuable tools to help readers see the world in new ways, and Robin Rabii uses it masterfully.
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The US Review of Books
For poets who relish discussions on philosophy and the unknown, these poems are golden. Rabii admits his writing defies conventional constraints and that he is primarily following the instructions of his heart.
The poet’s grasp of language is evident as is his ability to inject thoughtful observations on inequity. He is also able to mask the poem’s message through personification and metaphor is exceptional.
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But the tender hums and croons of a newborn end this fierce battle, the army of my aged thoughts surrendered to forces of my sprouting heart— the death of the old me, the birth of my new identity— bowing my head in shame while raising my arms in triumphant glory!
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Sheer audacity to open her emancipated land, beckoning all nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities, allegiance they pledge to the star principles for which she stands, shouting liberty from the crest of purple mountain majesties.
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We remember the symmetry of her invisible face in our early days, our magical moments with her not yet distorted by the tumors of reason, membranes of our minds not yet sealed by the violence of ready-made thoughts.
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I've tasted her flavors, caressed her glands of life. My lips explored the unexplored; my eyes feasted with great appetite.
Lost in colorful conversation, we speak of life; we talk about us and the birth of our merger; we chat about change and confess our distaste for a world sadly muted by the relentless pursuit of green paper.
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Our lush gardens have now lost their way. Rivers of our hearts have dried up; parched and barren they have become, and the infant orchids we planted in our souls will fade away.
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Earth-born creations, they loudly plead; flee, they insist, this captive terrain. Right-side mind caged, held hostage skillfully— reign of tyranny, this left-side domain.
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The creator of the universe is proudly watching, her stars on fire with each elemental gesture, her angels aroused by the quiet cadence, her love revealed in nature's splendor!
© Robin R. Rabii
