Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

Some Poems About Life by Bob Welbaum is an enjoyable and easy-to-read selection of thirty poems that examine ordinary life and its significance. Most of the verses rhyme and others are a mixture of line length and non-rhyming thoughts. The poet covers a variety of subjects, situations and experiences that we may all find ourselves in. “I Wish I Were a Cat” is about wanting to achieve more and the question is: would I achieve more had I nine lives like the cat?

"Life is so exciting, there is so much to do.
I have so many more dreams that I’d like to see come true."

“Talk to the Experts” considers the varied and different roles different people play in life – the President, worker, the housewife etc – and the equal importance of all. Welbaum’s overriding theme is appreciating life and what it offers us, knowing what matters in life and making the most of what we have.

Some Poems About Life will appeal to readers who enjoy short, readable and decipherable poems about ordinary life and ordinary lives. I liked the way the poems pose questions and encourage the reader to ponder for a moment and find his/her own answers. For example, in “What’s Your Most Prized Possession?” the answer could be something materialistic, or could it be something more important, not the electronic gadgets or car or TV, but:

“My prize is what makes me me!”

While most of the poems have a rhyming nature to them, the stanza lengths and styles vary. I found them all easy to read and the meanings easy to grasp. Welbaum uses an accessible language style, making his poems suitable for all. I liked the surprise ending to "Ode to Modern Warrior." My favorite, though, has to be "Time Slips Away," a lovely dialogue/narrative between a father and his young son as the child considers what would make him grown-up. The son is left to think more deeply as his father responds wisely to his child’s questions.

“What else is grown-up?” Dad asked.
Son thought some more. “Like having a job!”
“A job!… Why a job?”
“So I can have lots of money!”
“Lots of money,” Dad repeated thoughtfully. “And what will you do with that money?”
“Buy stuff!… I guess.”
“Buy stuff,” Dad repeated again. “For whom?”
Son raised an eyebrow. “Well, for me!”
“Oh, for you.” Dad paused, then said “I thought maybe you meant for other people.”
(Time Slips Away)

An enjoyable and thought-provoking collection of poems that take a look at life, people, priorities and purposes.