Advance Review ~ Nothing Left to Lose

From the pen of Canadian born poet Natasha Head, from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, comes a collection of poems that range from charming and nostalgic, to others that provide a dose of ‘reality therapy’ for a clearly jaded and materialistic society.

In the introduction Ms. Head writes, “Poetry is the pulse of humanity.” And, this can be evidenced, from the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, the Chinese Shijing, which were poems that evolved from folk songs, or the Sanskrit Vedas, the orally retold epics of India. Poetry has indeed been part of the human experience for millennia, and may be seen to actually be the ‘pulse of humanity.’ From this starting point, Natasha takes us on a journey into her first collection of poems entitled, Nothing Left to Lose.

What I find myself resonating to most are her thoughts, words, and feelings, which are a reflection of what I, and perhaps others, may have experienced whilst traveling the path of life. For example, in the poem entitled “Static,” she writes:

“Trapped between what was, what
is . . . no movement; fear
holds me motionless.”

In these lines we find a commonality, or a ‘oneness’ in her words, that we may all relate to, for who has not experienced that ‘trapped’ feeling, where there is no movement, and where one is held motionless in time and space.

We live in an oftentimes divisive world, where people can easily be antagonistic to one another, and pull against the universal oneness, or consciousness. Where ego rears its ugly head and keeps us from uniting for the good of all humankind. Natasha’s poems seem to me, to be guideposts along a path that can bring us all back home and together once again, and into harmony.

In “One Love,” one may see that we are reflections of one another:

“Know when you see me,
you see you, too.
And show me the best
on the inside of you.”

 In “Realization,” nestled within its lines may be found:

“A chance conversation
suddenly woke me up,
made me realize…”

“…I have the power.
I can act on the power.
I can begin to move.”

Or, in, “Core” where she confronts the ‘non’ thinkers:

“Oh you fools, can you not see?
You’re doomed to repeat history.”

In the poem, “Creators…” we find the important theme of empowerment, and the urging for people to take charge:

“Creators take charge!
This world is ours to empower!
The powers that be,
we permit to be.
Take back your power!”

 I also really enjoyed the definitions ‘Static,’ ‘Momentum’ and ‘Evolution’ that were placed before the poems ‘Static, ’Momentum,’ and ‘Life Sucks.’  They seemed like very appropriate introductions to the poems that follow.

These are but a few examples of the poems and thoughts I discovered whilst reading Nothing Left to Lose, and for Natasha’s first collection, I highly recommend getting a copy for yourself. It seems this collection may indeed be a portent for more to follow.

To the reader, I say, take your time and enjoy each one of Natasha’s gems. Spend a quiet afternoon with a hot cup of tea, or coffee, and a scone, and savor the flavour of each one.

“Poetry is the pulse of humanity. It always has been, throughout our
histories. Every heart carries the burden of the poem waiting to be written,
a hurt that needs healing, a mistake that needs forgiving, a love
that deserves reward.” Natasha Head

The reviewer, Roger Allen Baut holds a Master’s degree from Oakland University, in Michigan, has written articles, and has co-authored two limited edition books, Earth Rock and Water: The Age of the Tumulus, Hidden and Revealed, a book of verse, and a third on his own, Priests, Kings, and Prophets, a book on the three important figures in ancient Israel. He is also an innovative photographer working with contemplative photographic art, and the ‘triplet,’ which combines a photograph, poem and video to present more depth for a poem.

From Natasha Head & Winter Goose Publishing

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