On Hold, Hold On
D.L. Daniels
ISBN: 9781425735265
Xlibris
Reviewed By Gloria Ferris
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
On Hold, Hold On
is a refreshing, enlightening journey in verse. The pieces are written
in upbeat, colorful language, and the overall tone of the collection is
indicative of a creative, lively mind rife with the utmost imagination.
Daniels
covers much ground, touching on everything from nostalgia to
self-esteem to pubescent sexual curiosity. A recurring motif throughout
the collection, though, is the theme of introspection, a topic she
captures rather convincingly in this passage from "All Grown-up"
"The little girl
who had memories
grew up to be
a woman with a past.
The woman with a past
was no longer
a little girl
but
a woman with longings.
This woman
with many longings
became a crony
without a recollection
of anything."
And this one from "How It Goes"
"When we could be
I wouldn't allow.
When you wanted to kiss
I forgot how.
When I had the chance
I turned it down…
When…
I miss you now."
Daniels's
poetry is an absolute treat to the eyes and ears, as it is often
written with great rhythm and vivacity. The words and passages tend to
leap off the page at times, reminiscent of ee cummings in his prime.
With her thought-provoking insight as an accompaniment to her written
acrobatics, the overall presentation of On Hold, Hold On leaves little to be desired as a truly rewarding literary experience.
With moving passages such as this one from "Untitled":
"If you are
the people at the museums
pointing at the way colors
blend or clash,
or the avid readers
digesting each word
and quickly turning pages;
then it's usually simpler
for you
to gain an understanding
when you are not the subject."
It's nearly impossible to deny the uniqueness of Daniels's creative genius.
On Hold, Hold On is a must read so convincing that it's sure to convert even the staunchest of poetry phobes.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: D.L. Daniels (On Hold, Hold On)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, D.L. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Our reviewer noted that you cover a range of topics in the book, doing so with relative ease. Please share more with our readers about the wealth of your life experiences.
D.L. Daniels: I can rant on and on about my life experiences. Yet, what is important is that I continuously aim to observe the world around me, what moves and inspire me, and be open to what the spirits bless me with.
AR: Where does the versatility of your writing style come from?
DLD: Just as I wear different clothing, everyday I am inspired by the nouns, (people, places & things) in my life. I like the notion of seeing things differently and writing about it, the "what if"s and oddly anything in between. I mean I don't like songs by artists that start off the same way every time, (though it may be their signature) so why would I want to write in that manner. I have to tell you that music inspires me and adds to my versatility too.
AR: Who are some of your favorite poets? What about their writings inspire you?
DLD: Some of my favorite poets are Khalil Gibran, Prince, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Molly Peacock. I am inspired by Khalil Gibran for his magnificent manner of merging spirituality and religion in his poetry. You know Prince is a poet, as much as he is a songwriter. I don't think I have to tell you why I'm crazy about what he writes. Nikki Giovanni is a favorite of mine because of her ability to blend "art and life" in her work. I also like Ms. Giovanni's poetry for its realism, use of free verse and her knack of "giving it to you" straight. Maya Angelou's great for her rhyme scheme and wit. Ms. Giovanni and Ms. Angelou speak to women a lot in their poems. I am captured by Molly Peacock's honesty, humor, and ability to often weave history into her pieces.
AR: Please share with our readers how the outstanding piece "Untitled" came to be.
DLD: Honestly, the time span between when it was written and this answer is long. So, now sitting in the readers' seat, I can only say for some it is less complex to cultivate an understanding of art than the mind of a person. As well, for the person that is "the artist" and looked upon as "the subject" of the finished products, they may have a difficult time comprehending themselves. The truth is this is a difficult question because essentially we are all pieces of God's great artwork; and to look inward for any length of time would be vain, and that's definitely not what it's about. Therefore, let's just look at this as a momentous emotion expressed with anyone's interpretation accepted.
AR: Also, is "How It Goes" based on a true-life episode of yours?
DLD: If I say "yes," will you admit it's happened to you, too? I know all folks "in love" have had an episode or two as this. Everything is in God's timing. It is a question of, "will I deal with this situation or any other with long depressed nights or will I write a poem?"
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?
DLD: Those that have read it like it. I'm told they like its boldness, sensuality, and the fact the book is full-bodied, meaning there is a lot to read. But, I must say the numbers need to be pumped up! I'd like to see more people reading it, and getting to know what it is to be "On Hold" and to "Hold On."
AR: Can we look forward to a second collection in the near future?
DLD: Yes, I am currently working on a collection that will be my creative thesis for graduate school. I hope for it to contain over a hundred poems. I also aim to put a CD with poetry and music out before the end of 2008.
AR: Much is made about the fact that poetry doesn't sell as well as other literary genres, and we always ask our poets to share their insights on that issue with us. What are your thoughts?
DLD: Yes, it doesn't sell as well, and I don't want to get myself in "hot waters" with this one. I will merely say I wish poetry was more accessible, and people were introduced to it on a regular basis, such as the case of "urban literature." My assumption is people tend to think they won't comprehend poetry, and feel they have to be some special scholar. Really, one mustn't be afraid, just open, and experiment until they find someone they like. Other modes of exposure and introduction of new and old poets have to be made.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
DLD: Just two. One, I appreciate this time you've taken with me and enjoyed the experience of seeking these answers. And two, I trust eventually my own works will be exposed more, and folks will feel comfortable reading them. Perhaps with so many changes we await in this world, one will be that the gap of non-poetry lovers will dissipate. Though it may sound quirky, my ultimate wish is that a great mass of people will one day be able to speak in verses of love, peace and unity.
AR: Thanks again, D.L., and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!