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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Sometimes We Can Fall Asleep Below Stars and Already Be Home by David Joseph offers a poetic exploration of life, family, and nature’s quiet moments. The collection invites readers to share in memories, landscapes, and relationships, connecting them to Joseph’s reflections on everyday beauty. Each poem captures gentle moments, like watching his sons sleep or recalling childhood scenes. The poet’s delicate language evokes simple yet powerful images. This collection celebrates life’s fleeting moments, rich in sentiment and simplicity. Joseph’s style is introspective, comparable to that of poets like Mary Oliver or Pablo Neruda, who often explored the beauty of the natural world and human connections in their work.
A standout poem in Sometimes We Can Fall Asleep Below Stars and Already Be Home is “Gloucester at Night.” David Joseph captures a serene, almost mystical moment on a quiet dock. The poem’s language is sparse, but the imagery is strong, highlighting Joseph’s strength in prose. It’s clear he’s a master poet, and each composition reflects his talent. Joseph’s poems have a reflective, almost meditative quality, similar to Oliver’s celebration of nature and Neruda’s emotive, sensory language. A favorite is “Carrying Heaven,” as it reflects on the transition from childhood’s lighthearted joy to the burdens of adulthood. The poem uses metaphors as the kite symbolizes youthful freedom and aspiration, while the “weary sack” represents the burdens and weariness of adult life. The sky is a metaphor for limitless possibilities that now feel inaccessible. This book will bring comfort and reflection to readers of all ages. I highly recommend it.