Dawn and Beyond: Embark; Poetry - Come Destiny by Gary W. Burns is a compilation of the author's original poems with the aim to transport a reader to a place of mindful, calm, and intentional introspection. The collection is broken down into four distinct and interconnected parts: Dusky Dawn, a nod to the early morning hours; Sunrise Singing and the promise of a new day; Noonday Song, an ode to all that stirs and is made visible to us; and Eve Lullaby with its focus on the culmination and reflection of what has transpired and the cyclical nature that reassures the hope of tomorrow. All told, the book comprises over seventy poems spread between each of its parts with individual poems ranging in tone, tenor, and length within their respective theme.

“Love is the gate through which the joys of destiny celebrate.” This is from Gary W. Burns' poem Serenade, the standout for me in Dawn and Beyond: Embark. All of Burns' poems are written in modern form with most having a rhyme scheme, all the poems have a definitive rhythm to them and follow the formatting of Burns' personal style of verse construction. I loved that every piece had a primary message that isn't entirely concluded before a second, entirely new stanza that is separated by a symbol providing another layer of context provides another layer of context. Overall, this is a really lovely compilation of work by a prolific poet that displays heartfelt talent. Very highly recommended.

Gary W. Burns has brought together a collection of his poetry in the book Dawn and Beyond: Embark, Poetry - Come Destiny. As the title suggests, the poetry begins with a section called Dusky Dawn featuring pieces like the pre-sunrise phase of Begin. The 'and Beyond' refers to the remaining three sections that come in the progression of a single day: Sunrise Singing, Noonday Song, and Eve Lullaby. From the small pleasures of walks in the park filling the heart in The Choir to the shift from fall to winter compared to personal changes in Decide, the volume of Burns' poems is immense and over all four sections, there are some six dozen independent poems.

Reviewing poetry is tricky because it is the most subjective form of writing. I've always viewed it in the same way I view art. I can look at a painting and it evokes a thought or emotion that is completely different from what my partner thinks or feels. I can say without any reservation that Dawn and Beyond: Embark, Poetry – Come Destiny by Gary W. Burns is beautifully crafted. I preferred the poems that were slightly longer because they provided better clarity with less need to ponder, but I dog-eared and happily went back to re-read the ones that I did not grasp fully the first time around. One of these turned out to be my favorite and is perhaps very fitting as Fount reads, “Vast; The wellspring of feelings; The multitude of thoughts...” Feelings and thoughts, indeed.

Dawn and Beyond: Embark is an inspiring collection by award-winning poet Gary W. Burns. The poems fall under four subtitles: Dusky Dawn, Sunrise Singing, Noonday Song and Eve Lullaby. Crafted to calm the soul and appreciate completeness, they encourage readers to commune with nature, feel, and be motivated to live in harmony. Burns combines brilliant imagery and ideas in his verses, as in this example: “Daylight melts/Into the dark of night/Shadows in soft moonlight/Hold dreamy hours tight.” His poems are beautiful and inventive, pondering subjects like destiny--constantly relevant in fresh, literary ways. They are brief so that every word, including the title, counts; a world of wisdom exists in each.

Gary W. Burns’ Dawn and Beyond: Embark contains exceptional poetry readers can repeatedly read. Communicating poignant imagery, the poems depict images of the different scenes of the day in rhyme and rhythmic verse. In Early Morning, a reference to the inevitability of destiny appears as an apt metaphor for life’s uncertainties: "The early morning sky/A child in its way/Is keen to become the whole day/We, innocently free/Sit rocking/In the lap/Of destiny." The poem heralds the start of another day as we unknowingly await our destiny. Although short, it handles a serious theme very well. Dawn and Beyond: Embark lyrically expresses the author’s ideas through vivid and nostalgic imagery. I highly recommend this collection.

Dawn and Beyond: Embark focuses on demonstrating the beauty of existence and highlighting nature's elements. Here, the verses allow us to recreate the passing of the seasons, the feeling of the wind, and the sound of birds around us. The words inspire us to relax and enjoy the array of beautiful images. Gary W. Burns shares his emotions and vision of the world, helping the reader to experience peace and harmony. At the same time, he imparts the courage and motivation needed to continue with our daily lives. Gary divides his poetry into four categories: Dusky Dawn, Sunrise Singing, Noonday Song, and Eve Lullaby. These topics maintain a perspective on life and destiny, which we forge each moment through our thoughts and emotions.

Dawn and Beyond: Embark is a fantastic work because it reminds us that every moment in life is beautiful and that we should cherish it. These poems are perfect for finding inspiration in our surroundings and promoting personal development. I liked Gary W. Burns' writing because his words have a natural and fluid musicality. He subtly intertwines his perception of his surroundings and his feelings. Gary’s experience in writing shows in his careful selection of words. He expresses complex ideas while maintaining clarity, all in just a few lines. The descriptions are vivid and the verses are harmonious and laden with emotion. Readers can identify with the words even if they do not understand poetry. This book will be ideal for those with a free spirit.