Poetry as Marriage Counseling?

Poetry As Marriage Counseling?

Robert T. Sells, Words of Inspiration: A Collection of Poems...For the One You Love (Jones Publishing Network, 2005) 80 pages, christian poetry, $9.95 U.S. / $12.95 Canada

Yes, so it claims to be. This is apparently the first in a series of Words of Inspiration volumes whose stated purpose is to help people improve various aspects of their life by reading and citing the poems therein. This one focuses on marriage.

The poems are written in an extremely simple, conversational style, as if scribbled somewhat hastily on any scraps of paper to be found at the time. This results in an informal feel that makes for quick, unchallenging reading. It also results in a redundancy that is sometimes painful.

Sells interweaves the special love that one is meant to have for one's spouse with one's love for God, almost- but not quite- as if they were one and the same love. The purpose given for the book is admirable, but it somehow falls short of it. Especially does the little sermon that closes the collection detract from the over-all affect. Perhaps if the work had gone through a few more rounds of revision? It can, however, ensure that one get a second date.

If you enjoy this particular genre, and an easy read, Sells may just be your cup of tea: sugary-sweet with a slight hint of mint.