TRUTH & LIES

More than 50 poets representing world literature from the ancient Greek Sappho to the contemporary Latina poet Julia Alvarez speak about two common themes that transcend time and culture. The truth or lies that often define relationships, or are hidden within the self are portrayed in this accessible volume of short poetry. Poems relate to romantic love, friendship, betrayal, family life, and personal introspection. Some of the poems are excerpts from longer works; others say it all in a few words. The wide range of authors and eras in which they wrote lends diversity to styles and language. There is humor, irony, sadness, and anguish included here, which can be dipped into at random or read consecutively. The poems are arranged so that they flow easily from page to page, sometimes connected by a similar theme and sometimes by a subtle link of words or feelings. Vecchione’s (Storming Heaven’s Gate: An Anthology of Spiritual Writings by Women) stated intent is to intertwine truth and lies in the arrangement of the poems to mirror how they are experienced in real life. She challenges readers to question what they know is true, find the poems that speak to them, and finally to write their own. Her introduction is valuable to the reader as a way to understand her rationale for selection and for insight into how to read poetry. Students and teachers will also appreciate the biographical notes and short bibliography on each of the poets. An excellent anthology that should resonate with the teenaged reader. (Poetry. 12+)