Title: Behind All the Tears

Author: Rasha Mohamed

Genre: Poetry

 

The topic of death is explored in all its intricacies in the heartfelt “Do They Really Leave Us?”, the poem which kicks off a poetry compilation entitled Behind All the Tears. The questions posed by a universal reckoning are posed in the short but sweet “The Apocalypse.” “One Tear” questions the reasons why a teardrop can lead to a torrent and the occasional need to bottle the feeling up.

The need to feel secure and why that may be an illusion is conveyed perfectly in “The Return of Fear.” “Afib” views the quixotic attempts to stabilize a heart, yet leaving scars that never fully heal. Salvation and where it ultimately lies are examined in the existential “The Savior.”

Rasha Mohamed drops twenty-five poems of varying length and depth in her pensive book. Each poetic verse featured in the anthology proves capable of provoking a wide range of emotion and thought. Mohamed’s ability is keeping the reader surprised with every subsequent poem, allowing for each offering to stand on their own. Whether it be a pithy rhyme filling a page or an epic free verse gaining more potency with each stanza, Mohamed’s points are salient.

The lyrics featured throughout the book are designed to resonate. The topic of death is viewed as less taboo, but more acceptable when viewed through the words in “Do They Really Leave Us”? The concept of the afterlife and the questions it conjures lead well into the subject of the brief but powerful poem concerning doomsday. The unknowns in the universe have never felt so compelling. Mohamed proves adept at transitioning from the existential to the basic—but no less important things in life.

The wealth of feelings is not limited to merely life and death. Mohamed doesn’t shy away from tackling controversial subjects, whether they be about strife or political hypocrisy. The words in those particular works (“Silent Curse Words”) are meant to be provocative. The prose is fiery, yet once it has been read, there is a mutual understanding for the author’s ire. Mohamed’s words offer a perspective on the foibles of society, whether it be people’s willing surrender to fear or losing themselves to a life glued to the keyboard.

The idea of resilience is an underlying theme felt throughout much of the book, whether it be maintaining a stiff upper lip while coping with pain or in how one deals with adversity. The positive potential for individual growth is stressed wherein the inconsequential is disregarded, the small joys in life are enjoyed, and an appreciation for the spiritual is relayed.

Heart and soul has been poured into the featured balladry, although a poem where the subject is learning to laugh (“The Motto”) might benefit with an extra line or two filled with humor for emphasis. The desire to want more inspired words proves the sole frustration when the book’s conclusion is reached.

Behind All the Tears is a breezy, yet impactful, read, equipped with wonderful words and often vivid imagery. Every featured poem tells its own unique story and irrespective of their duration, this is a mind-opening read. Rasha Mohamed has written a book that is both illuminating and reflective.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.