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Elder Gideon holds an MFA in poetry, builds an iconography cooperative Sophia Guild, guides underserved high school English students, and grows the Sophian Tradition as a disciple of Tau Malachi, with whom he co-authored “Gnosis of Guadalupe” (EPS Press, 2017). Elder Gideon thrives in collaboration, producing, directing, and performing his chapbook “Owl Songs” set to original music by Sean Wall. This is available on all music streaming services. Collaborating with Sean Wall, and Canadian filmmaker Bevan Klassen, Elder Gideon produced and narrated an experimental documentary “Dark Before Dawn,” which debuted with Woven Tale Press summer 2020. Aegis of Waves is his first book.
Reviewed by Jacob R LaMar for Readers' Favorite
A 68-page book of poetry, Aegis of Waves is a short collection of verse written by Elder Gideon. A high school English teacher for underserved students, Gideon uses the knowledge gained while securing an MFA in poetry to craft each page specifically as intended. Aegis of Waves is a journey that explores more than one branch of knowledge, weaving its way through subjects such as science and spirituality via the use of real youth stories. I would classify this style of writing as free-verse poetry due to its general lack of rhyme and ever-changing meter. That’s not to infer that there is no rhyming, as the author utilizes internal and near rhymes with some regularity.
I enjoyed reading the words of Elder Gideon in this debut poetry book and took special notice of the abundant use of elaborate word choices. Yes, the author's extensive vocabulary is on full display within these pages which, while impressive, could be viewed as both a blessing and a curse. In the rich use of metaphor, the application of syntax, and the utilization of unusual formatting, Elder Gideon has created a work of art that could be considered beautifully deep or disturbingly inaccessible. Ultimately there will be many that enjoy Aegis of Waves for its deep-seated undercurrents, but others may desire a read that’s lighter on the mind yet still enriching to the soul. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to review this book and wish Elder Gideon a great future in all writing endeavors.
