Through our words and actions, let us all endeavor to bring
positive expression to the world we live in.
- Derek P. Day in the dedication
Derek Day's poetry offers more than a joyful observation of the heart in its many forms, this is a book written by a man whose very life seems to be enveloped in passion and romance. He conveys with gifted words the deep and meaningful spirit of what true and lasting love is meant to be. From poems with a wide encapsulating perspective, to poems that capture the smallest detail of his adoration, Derek Day writes with the enthusiasm and skill of a true romantic.
Your gentle image transforms me
And I stumble from myself
Sliding down your lips
Resting in the shade of your eyes
(pg. 34)
The book is divided into four sensible sections: Love Poems, Sad Love Poems, Princesa De Amor (Princess Of Love), and Family And
Friends. It
contains many poems and themes that a reader would hope to find in a book of love poetry such as, Always You , Your Love , and Laughter . It also has poems where Day expresses his unique abilities with titles like, Below The Ankle, Seashell Woman , and Vixen .
The section of the book, Princesa De Amor, has poetry written specifically for Derek Day’s significant other, Grace. This is some of Day’s preeminent poetry as he seems to unleash some of his most fervent faculties when describing a love that is so familiar to us all, yet a woman who is both mysterious and appealing.
But sweet is the fragrance of her scarves
And her walking legs are holy
So with silk
She merges, swaying
(pg. 90)
This is not a book wholly devoted to romantic love. The small, yet significant section dedicated to family and friends carries a great deal of worthy material. Day shows he has the talent to write a mere few lines that weigh heavy on a reader’s emotions with poems such as, My Rock , a poem about his mother. Perhaps it is not only a poem about his mother, but the way we have all seen our mothers.
Blurry Joy: Poems of Love and Celebration, contains the rich words of a poet who seems to value love above all else in life. He reminds us of the thrill and excitement, and also of the depth and beauty, that other people can bring into our lives simply by loving them.
~Brian Douthit
author of Perfectly Said: when words become art