A Dangerous Word and Other Poems (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781524654498)

This book of poems opens with an introduction that discusses what it means to find one's voice, and how that process can be very challenging more often than not. Fee discusses his own voice, and the fact that while it is important to write poetry accessible to others, sometimes it is important to write for the self as well. The poems themselves are broken into two parts, the first including general poetry, and the second exploring the tribulations that accompany suffering from a mental illness. The opening poem, The Old Horse, showcases Fee's strength at detailing something so simple in such an affecting and melancholic manner, causing the reader to sympathize not only with what is being described, but with the words on the page. These poems explore nature, human relationships, emotions, and what it means to struggle. With clarity, deft prose, and a certain understanding of the poetic form that can not easily be learned, B. Michael Fee delivers lyrical poems that are sure to strike a chord.

While this book of poetry could come from nearly any author, it is important to note that each piece is singular, and resonates with the reader in a similar voice, as it is clear that each poem comes from one man, B. Michael Fee. While the form of each poem is nearly identical throughout the collection, the topics vary, but still hold enough similarities to create transcending themes that stretch from one page to another. A few of the poems could use further polishing, but for the most part, these are the kinds of poems that will make you think about things, pondering deeply about what it means to be alive, and you really can't ask for much more than that."