I’m incredibly grateful to Steve Recardo for his generous review of Bizarre Poetic World. His words perfectly reflect the emotional and thematic range I aimed to achieve in this collection. As he noted, the poems span a journey “from cradle to grave,” which is exactly how I envisioned the book—a poetic exploration of life in all its richness, absurdity, sorrow, and beauty. 

Steve’s observation that the collection includes “plenty in between” really resonates with me. Life isn’t made up of just the big moments—we live in the quiet in-betweens, the everyday events, the struggles and the small joys. I wanted my poetry to acknowledge all of that. Whether it’s something light-hearted and comical or something that asks readers to pause and reflect, I hoped to offer poems that speak to the human experience. 

Including the “Covid years” in this collection was important to me. That time reshaped us globally—how we connect, how we think, how we feel. Writing during and about those times was both a coping mechanism and a way of documenting what we all endured. It’s gratifying to know that Steve noticed and appreciated the inclusion of those themes. 

He also touched on the emotional spectrum in the book—“poems that will make you laugh and some rather sombre ones.” That balance was essential to me. I never wanted to deliver a one-note experience. Life is never just funny or just sad—it’s all of it, often all at once. So hearing that the book ultimately came across as “uplifting” means a great deal. It suggests that amidst the heavier reflections, there is still hope, humour, and joy to be found. 

Steve’s review is not just appreciated—it’s a reflection of exactly what I’d hoped readers would take from Bizarre Poetic World. Thank you, Steve, for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback.