I Let Go of the Stars in My Hand

Put out the call for original poems and short prose pieces, and one is liable to receive quite a hodgepodge of styles, forms, and subject matters. One will also see a wide variety of levels of talent from the writers. Open this slim volume and that is pretty much what you will find. Some of the pieces in here are simply lovely. Some are thought-provoking and challenge the reader to examine an idea or a mind-set or a way of being. Some are simple and lyrical, some clever and witty. Some seem to be written with the single mission to shock. Some seem to solely be words spewed onto the page with little plan or meaning. One of the most moving is hidden away in the back of the book, coming after the list of writers and their short bios as if it had been found under the desk after the book was done and stuck in the back because it certainly belongs in the collection. There is enough in here to make this an interesting read, but it certainly could have used stronger editing and more meticulous choices.