The poetry book is written by me Benjamin Robinson and contains poems on many subjects. The poem Greatness is below:
Greatness,
goodness,
light and dark,
compassion,
tenderness,
and broken hearts,
a brighter tomorrow?
A brighter tomorrow at the dawn,
to the sound of the lark,
to the sound of all the birds that nourish the heart,
in the sunlight by the river,
reflecting on why you left my world and tore it apart,
why,
why, I wish I knew,
but you,
you shattered my heart,
and all I am left with is your parting remarks,
your parting remarks that flew from your tongue so bitterly,
remarks that were filled with vicious barbs,
and here I am once more alone,
once more sat by the river,
sat here once more with no love,
sat here reflecting,
and with only sadness in my eyes,
yes, only sadness in my eyes,
that rises like a flood in my heart.
Greatness,
goodness,
light and dark,
happiness and sadness,
and mixed memories that disturb my soul,
as the river flows so gently past,
oh, how I wish my heart were so calm,
and how I wish I did not feel such pain,
and how I wish I had not fallen for your charms,
but I did, and all I have is heartache,
and the thoughts of you walking out the door,
forevermore, never again,
never again to be of my world a part.
Literary Critique: “Havoc and Destruction” by Ben Robinson
With “Havoc and Destruction,” Ben Robinson presents a visceral, unflinching reckoning with violence—personal, political, environmental, and existential. This is one of his most confrontational works, a poetic outcry against systems and circumstances that dismantle the soul and the world alike.
Themes and Motifs
The central themes are chaos, loss, and the dehumanizing forces of modernity. Robinson critiques war, ecological collapse, political corruption, and the decay of moral values. The havoc is global and deeply intimate—affecting families, lovers, and communities alike. Recurring motifs include fire, shattered glass, ruined cities, collapsing systems, and silenced voices.
Style and Structure
The collection is sharp, dynamic, and often fragmented. Many poems are delivered in staccato bursts, mirroring the instability they portray. The syntax is aggressive and clipped, heightening emotional intensity. Line breaks often disrupt expected rhythms to keep the reader unsettled—a fitting technique for a book about disruption.
Tone and Voice
The tone is accusatory, furious, and occasionally nihilistic. The speaker sounds less like a mourner and more like a prophet—or a survivor issuing warnings. There is a tangible moral weight behind every line, but it’s never preachy. Instead, Robinson balances urgency with poetic insight.
Imagery and Poetic Devices
Imagery is vivid and apocalyptic—rubble, gunfire, floodwaters, broken children’s toys. The world Robinson paints is one on the verge of collapse. He uses strong contrasts—fire and water, noise and silence, presence and erasure—to build thematic tension. Metaphors are blunt and effective, and repetition amplifies the relentless emotional pressure.
Standout Poems
- “Havoc”: A rapid-fire poem that sets the tone for the entire collection.
- “Destruction”: A devastating elegy for what is irretrievably lost.
- “Red Sky”: A stunning piece where nature becomes both witness and casualty.
- “Last Breath”: One of the quieter poems, all the more powerful in its restraint.
Potential Development
A few poems could benefit from more variety in structure or pacing. The overall energy is intense—occasionally exhausting. Interludes of calm or introspection might deepen the emotional contrast and reader engagement.
Conclusion
“Havoc and Destruction” is an urgent, unrelenting collection. It speaks to a world unraveling, both externally and internally. Robinson writes with prophetic clarity and emotional authenticity, making this a powerful document of despair and a plea for consciousness. It’s harrowing—and necessary.
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