Title: The Poet’s Compilation
Author: Anthony Francis Balinger
Publisher: PartridgeSingapore
ISBN: 978-1-5437-6988-3
Pages: 144
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Carol Davala
Pacific Book Review
Anthony Francis Balinger’s The Poet’s Compilation is a uniquely crafted collection of five small books that reflect the concepts of love, happiness, time, and what touches the soul. This unusual literary mosaic reveals a narrative celebration of life, the beauty of nature, the lasting essence of love, and the artful harmony of form.
Balinger delivers his thoughts primarily via non-traditional poetic styles. There are, however, a few moments where he chooses simple rhyming patterns. The book’s opening section entitled “Wine Women and Song” is described as the trinity of joy. Here the line “I behold the jewels of your eyes, timeless there gleaming in the skies,” seems a
simple reflection of their never-ending draw as the windows of the soul. Symbolically wine is equated as a drink of love, and music is likened to “rain that graces one from heaven.” With heartfelt declarations the words are intended as a precious gift.
The second section offers a combination of 20th century song and verse. From the Harry Nilson classic “As Time Goes By,” to Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love” and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Night and Day,” words and lyrics capture the feelings of romantic love, longing, and passion. Here Balinger also includes a touching narrative of a soldier killed in battle, clutching a photo of a loved one. The sad ode corresponds to Harry Belafonte’s renowned classic styling of “Danny Boy.”
The book’s third segment, “Golden Years & Golden Dreams” takes a meditative look at life while focusing on the beauty and spirit of nature. Here reflections on a lush green forest are accompanied by imagery of nubile forms frolicking in a cascading waterfall. The message is clearly to explore the freedom, joy, and beauty of this realm. Animals are soon brought into the mix igniting a conversation between the spirit of a dolphin and eagle. Each is meant to realize the contrast in blessings of their individual dwellings of sea and sky. Balinger also includes references about the magical connotations of numbers, believing they are woven into the universe as an integral part of God, Nature, and the Cosmos.
The fourth collective entry provides a major focus on the power of love in our lives. Clearly Balinger views it as a vital force that drives us from birth until death. Emphasis moves from early parental love and later adult relationships, to farmers nurturing the bounty of their land and artists who use love in creation of their masterpieces.
Images used throughout this book represent an interesting visual collage. From Romanesque statues, clay vessels, and Egyptian hieroglyphics, to the be-jeweled, enigmatic Mata-Hari, lovers in a passionate embrace, or the penetrating gaze of a wolf in a tree-lined landscape, all blend into Balinger’s world view. The colorful and sepia- toned artwork ideally embodies the compilation’s suggestion of a history of spirituality, mythology, the beauty of this world, and the intensity of love.
The final contribution to this work is in a narrative and dialogue format, suggesting a parable-like discussion between a student and master. Here a scribe seeking knowledge about life asks questions of a wise deity. Ultimately all inquisitive students are encouraged to go forth, and share what they have learned.
With its unusual blend of verse showcasing topics of love, nature, ancient knowledge, and the magic of numbers, Balinger’s creative collection should draw an audience looking for thought and variation beyond the traditions of poetic presentation.
