Moonbeams and Poetry – Jerry Staudenraus | Reviewed by: Kent Lane, IndieReader

An eclectic collection of poems from Jerry Staudenraus ranging from humor to erotica to philosophical contemplation.

Jerry Staudenraus’ debut poetry anthology, MOONBEAMS AND POETRY (For Those Whose Ears Are Pricked and Tongues That Are Long-Drawn), contains a wide ranging selection of poems in a variety of styles. Some are frivolous and throwaway. Other poems are more serious and philosophical, touching on man’s place in the natural world and the importance of friendship and romance. There are a even a couple of bawdy limericks. In addition to the multitude of styles of verse, the poems are presented in a variety of typefaces and each is illustrated with a small photograph or artwork. Again, the illustrations vary, some are moody and artistic, others cartoonish. Overall this lack of cohesion in both content and presentation gives the collection more of the feel of a random scrapbook than a carefully considered poetry collection. That’s not to say that there is not good work included, but the book is better approached by dipping at random rather than reading from beginning to end. Taken this way, the explicit erotica of a poem like ‘Rhapsody For Your White Panties’ seems less incongruous than when, as presented in the book, it immediately follows a novelty poem about a macaw.

A number of Staudenraus’ poems are humorous and the author is not afraid to play for laughs. Poems such as ‘Reformed Man Eaters’, concerning tigers looking to change their ways, and ‘Old Ben (The Frog)’ a lascivious tale of an old codger making a fool of himself will raise a smile. Staudenraus’ best works, though, are the more considered personal poems where he reflects on his past and his relationships, including the lyrical ‘Dancing Off Norway’ or the mournful ‘A Requiem For Remembrance’. Best of all is ‘The Starmaker’ in which the poet contemplates the heavens. Opening – “while lying on my back/ gazing lazily at twinkling tracks/ of some cosmic traveller/ I wonder how they came to be…” the poem is reminiscent of the lyrical wondering of the great romantic poets and is the most mature work contained in the collection. These serious poems show Staudenraus’ ability as a thoughtful, insightful poet, but tend to be overshadowed by the more playful work that make up the bulk of the book.

MOONBEAMS AND POETRY (For Those Whose Ears Are Pricked and Tongues That Are Long-Drawn) is an eclectic collection in which poet Jerry Staudenraus showcases his range. A lack of cohesion in the selection of poems and the rather erratic manner in which they are presented is problematic, but there are enough high points to warrant poetry lovers to take a look inside.

Source: https://indiereader.com/book_review/moonbeams-and-poetry-for-those-whose-ears-are-pricked-and-tongues-that-are-long-drawn/