In It Speaks: A Collection of Poetry, author s.s. raros invites readers on a poetic journey through the complexities of life, love, and the profound human experience. Divided into two distinct volumes, Banal and Auroral, this collection represents a multifaceted exploration of the human condition, each with its own unique focus and emotional depth. The poems are carefully structured within the framework of playing card suits—Spades, Diamonds, Clubs, and Hearts—which not only organize the thematic elements but also imbue the collection with a rich sense of symbolism and interconnectedness.
This collection is more than just an assembly of words; it is an intricate riddle that speaks to the heart of what it means to live, to struggle, and to grow. Through evocative imagery and thought-provoking symbolism, raros challenges readers to confront their own emotions and experiences while offering insight into the universal themes of materialism, spiritual longing, and romantic desire.
Banal and the Struggles of the Urban World
The first part of It Speaks, titled Banal, explores the harsh realities of life in the modern, urban world. It delves into the struggles of the material existence we are often bound to—chasing money, facing societal expectations, and grappling with the alienation that comes with living in a bustling, modern city. Banal serves as a reflection on the mundane, offering sharp commentary on how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to disillusionment and a sense of emptiness.
In Banal, raros presents a vivid, gritty portrayal of the human experience in a world that seems increasingly focused on material success. The poems in this section grapple with the noise and chaos of modern life, asking profound questions about the true value of material wealth and the impact of consumerism on our personal identities. Through the suit of Spades, which symbolizes struggle and challenge, these poems act as a mirror, reflecting the complex emotions of frustration, loneliness, and yearning.
The Diamonds suit in Banal represents the pursuit of material wealth and the cost of that pursuit. Raros artfully uses imagery and metaphor to convey the emptiness that often accompanies the chase for money, fame, and possessions. In poems about corporate culture, consumerism, and the disconnection people feel in an increasingly digital world, Banal serves as a powerful commentary on the price we pay for success and how it can detract from our deeper spiritual and emotional needs.
Auroral and the Spiritual Longing
While Banal explores the material world, Auroral, the second part of the collection, turns inward and looks at the more ethereal aspects of the human experience—spirituality, love, and longing. Auroral taps into the deeper recesses of the human soul, expressing a yearning for something more than what the material world can offer. This volume seeks to explore the human capacity for love, romance, and the profound sense of connection that arises from our shared emotional and spiritual experiences.
In this section, raros uses the suit of Hearts to delve into themes of love and connection. The poems in Auroral reveal a tender vulnerability as the author examines the joy and pain that come with love, the passion and heartbreak that often accompany romantic relationships, and the ultimate search for meaning and connection in the world. The poems speak to the deep yearning for a soulmate, a kindred spirit, and a union that transcends time and space.
Moreover, the Clubs suit in Auroral symbolizes growth and renewal. These poems evoke themes of rebirth, transformation, and the constant flow of change that characterizes human existence. The verses speak of shedding old skins, growing into new versions of oneself, and learning to embrace the unknown. Through powerful imagery and allegory, Auroral explores the ways in which the human spirit evolves, how we rise from the ashes of our past, and how we navigate the emotional landscapes of our hearts.
The Symbolism of the Elements
The cover art of It Speaks visually encapsulates the themes of the collection, using symbolic characters to represent the four elements—Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Each element plays a crucial role in the thematic structure of the collection and is reflected in the poems themselves.
The Earth element is represented by the sword embedded in stone, symbolizing stability, strength, and the struggle for survival in the material world. This imagery connects to the poems in Banal, where the pursuit of material success and the harshness of reality often dominate the narrative.
The Fire element, represented by the tin man with burning paper money, captures the destructive power of greed and the volatile emotions that fuel human conflict. It also speaks to the desire for transformation, as fire is a symbol of purification and renewal. This dual nature of fire is explored in the poems about both destruction and growth, especially in the Diamonds suit of Banal and the Clubs suit of Auroral.
The Wind element, represented by the strawman with flying dice and cards, speaks to the unpredictability of life, the fleeting nature of human desires, and the constant change that defines the world we live in. The wind can be both a source of freedom and a force that sweeps us away, representing the tumultuous nature of love and the ebb and flow of emotional experiences, particularly in the Hearts section of Auroral.
Finally, the Water element is symbolized by the queen with a tipped chalice, representing the fluidity and adaptability of human emotions. Water is often associated with emotional depth, intuition, and the cleansing power of love. In Auroral, the Water element underscores the healing potential of love and connection, as well as the cyclical nature of emotional experiences.
A Poetic Journey of Transformation
It Speaks is a collection that challenges readers to think deeply about their own lives, emotions, and the forces that shape their experiences. Through evocative language and rich symbolism, raros offers a reflective journey that speaks to the complexity of the human condition. Whether dealing with the harshness of material existence or exploring the spiritual depths of the soul, this collection encourages readers to reflect on the choices they make and the path they are on.
This collection is not just a collection of poems; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Through the interplay of elements, themes, and symbols, It Speaks becomes a powerful tool for introspection, offering readers the opportunity to unravel hidden truths about themselves, their relationships, and their place in the universe.
Amazon Link: It Speaks
Leave a Reply