Wind Swimming: Poetry (Inside The Circle of The Sun…) by Aubrey E. Drummond is a heartfelt collection that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences through a series of poems. The book is divided into thematic sections exploring different facets of existence with a unique poetic voice. Drummond’s poetry is free verse, characterized by short, rhythmic lines that blend simplicity with emotional depth. His work explores themes like love, identity, grief, and societal struggles. The poems in the "Life" section reflect on the passage of time, the beauty of nature, and the struggles of daily life. The "Love" section is introspective, and the portrayal of love is multifaceted, capturing both its joy and its pain. In "Dark Man," Drummond addresses themes of identity, race, and societal challenges, while the "Song" section brings a lyrical quality to the collection.

Aubrey E. Drummond balances simplicity with complexity. His poems are often composed of short lines and straightforward language, yet they carry a weight that invites deeper contemplation. The recurring themes of hope, struggle, and the search for meaning are universal, yet Drummond’s perspective as a Black writer adds richness to the collection. Wind Swimming is an invitation to see the world through the eyes of someone who has lived through both light and shadow. The words are honest, raw, and deeply moving, making this collection a memorable and impactful read for anyone who appreciates the power of poetry to capture the human experience. Readers of poetry that takes a lyrical and introspective approach will find much to love here.

Wind Swimming: Poetry (Inside The Circle of The Sun…) by Aubrey E. Drummond is a collection of poems that are lyrical and emotionally poignant. It features rich symbolism, wise life lessons, philosophical ideas, and a touch of humor. The poem Shoe Polish and Sideburns tells the story of Lilly, a young girl caught up with an older man. He’s polished, charming, and good-looking -- “shoe polish and sideburns” making heads turn -- but beneath the surface, he’s deceptive. A prince, when he wants to go to bed with her, but a frog when she wakes up in the morning. The speaker warns Lilly not to be fooled by appearances and empty dreams. This poem features strong contradictions, which Drummond uses throughout the collection.

Wind Swimming is a seemingly quick read, but, as with all good poetry, digesting and thinking about its meaning, themes, and symbolism proves to be powerful, stimulating, and rewarding. It has a bluesy and lyrical feel to it, and makes for either exceptional poetry or even blues-rock music. The strong use of contradictions really resonated with me, as I have lately been thinking of how duality or polar opposites can be seen not only as antonyms, but, yes, be synonymous in a sense (think of Super Mario running from the left-hand side of the screen and appearing on the opposite end). Although Drummond employs various popular poetic devices, Wind Swimming is authentic, at times chaotic, yet still structured and well-formatted. Aubrey E. Drummond's wise and wondrous words linger powerfully long after the last page is read.