Book Title: A Lazy Poet
Author: Anda Damisa (Lazywrita)
Year of Publication: 2019
Number of Pages: 70
Category: Poetry
“Do not love me/Do not care/This heart has nothing to share,” the author, Andy Damisa, says in A Lazy Poet, a collection of poems inspired by the author’s personal experiences and those around him.
There is anger in this collection of 22 poems, but this is one poetry collection that reveals not only sad events but also how we are affected by our surroundings.
At first glance, a reader may have reservations about this book based on its cover and title. Damisa’s writing is straightforward, but his poems are intensely personal.
The author convinces us from the start of the book that we create our own future. The first two poems contain great wisdom about remaining positive and looking to God for strength during difficult times. Besides sharing his innermost feelings, the author begins each poem with a quotation, one of which is an African proverb made famous by Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart.
In the third poem, Damisa discusses learning anywhere and at any time. It is inspiring in the sense that it encourages people to live their lives and try new things. His words of wisdom and counsel are universal and valuable to everyone.
In the fourth poem, the author employs rhymes to emphasize the importance of savoring every moment of one’s life. Damisa continues, “Lay your youth not to waste/ For but once only/ You shall have its taste” Reading these lines, you may come to the conclusion that every moment is of infinite value.
The author’s tone is angry in ‘Do Not Love Me.’ Damisa exposes his pain without remorse, even when his words may lead to condemnation. Although it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude in such situations, a negative reaction may exacerbate the situation.
Pain can be intense, as evidenced by the poems ‘Pain Song’ and ‘Grief.’ The author’s words are profound, and his tone is sympathetic and demonstrates a desire for assistance. It would be an understatement to say that Andy Damisa has a gift for good diction.
Much has been written in this book about pain, and getting a glimpse into the author’s mind on romance in ‘The Golden Quartet’ allows us to take a break from the trials of everyday life, allowing readers to see that craving for affection is a very human thing.
Many of the poems appear emotional, accompanied by a lot of difficulties to the general reader, but life is hard, and this book is a way to show others that even when bad things happen, you are definitely not alone, and the only difference is how you feel at the end of the day. A Lazy Poet is all of these and more and definitely worth reading.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipree