Thoughts From Old Walls
Marianne Loyd
ISBN: 9781411682696
Reviewed By Wendy Paulson
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
"Army heroes sometimes wish
they had wings so they could
fly away from the battlefield
and the stench. So many lives
wasted for nothing at all."
Unapologetic, raw, unflinching; so go most of the poetic passages in Thoughts From Old Walls,
the debut collection of poetry by Marianne Loyd. Taking on such
controversial topics as religion, modern politics, and animal abuse,
Loyd's collection serves up colorful, biting commentary on a host of
issues designed to foster higher thought.
Consider this passage from "False Angel":
"Religion is an insult to the intellect,
believe it or not - that's the truth.
Your wings are closing every door
to anyone who wants to see the light.
Even you must admit you haven't found
what you're looking for.'"
And this moving recollection from "Vision On Fire":
"Vision on fire, the truth is out
there but many lies are still left
to be told. So cross your fingers
and hold your breath.
The truth is coming and the truth
is going - the world is in denial."
Such polemic statements solidify Loyd's voice as a discerning force to be reckoned with.
She
reserves her harshest criticism for the bigoted indifference of
mankind, though, most patently seen in this passage from "Halls Of
Hell":
"Our pain is used as amusement and 'science.'
We are the invisible victims in this world, what is
going to save us and what does it take?
The medical Mafia has no shame, no heart, no soul,
no conscience.'"
Written
in the perspective of animals utilized for medical testing, "Halls Of
Hell" is a chilling reminder of the silent destruction often left in
the wake of progress. By giving voice to innocent creatures powerless
to defend themselves, Loyd poignantly questions whether the cost of
that progress is truly worth it.
Of course, poetry and love go
hand in hand, and Loyd skillfully conveys the intermarriage of both in
such moving pieces as "Forget-Me-Not" and "If I Were," as well as in
this touching passage from "Two Roses":
"Two roses,
two wishes,
two hearts,
two kisses,
dreams are what
you make it."
In Thoughts From Old Walls,
Marianne Loyd has crafted an eclectic potpourri of feelings and
emotions common to humanity, presenting them in such a way as to
highlight their true meaning within the overall context of life. By
questioning some of our most valued conceptions of the world around us,
Loyd's musings lay the groundwork for original thought and action sure
to stir the soul for years to come.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Marianne Loyd (Thoughts From Old Walls)
Apex Reviews: Marianne, thanks for joining us for this interview. We truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your book.
How does it feel to finally be in print?
Marianne Loyd: It feels great. I think writing poetry and writing in general is a great medium to express one's thoughts and opinions.
AR: Please share with our readers the significance of the title.
ML: The title is a reflection: like an old house you can almost sense the life and history, thoughts and dreams that are manifested in the walls like a blueprint of past lives. The title is also an expression of an old paradigm and old patterns that are everywhere around us.
AR: Our reviewer commented on the polemic nature of some of the pieces in the book. Is controversy not something you tend to shy away from?
ML: Some of my poems may be considered to be controversial. However, I just voice my opinion about different things in this world whether that is politics or animal rights. I can get an idea for a poem from something I see or read about or from a melody or nature - it could be anything.
AR: The tones of "Cover Nation" and "Vision On Fire" are particularly strong. What inspired those specific pieces, and why?
ML: I guess it is a sign of the times. The political arena is a disaster and a disgrace. Humans have zero value in the political game. The gap between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger: the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It is a very saddening situation. I have often been asked: are you a communist? No, I am not. And I do not belong to any other political ideologies either because I think all political ideologies have failed humanity when they are put into practice by the people in power. That is why I admire Che Guevara, as a fellow human being. He once said:
"The people's hero cannot be separated from the people, cannot be elevated onto a pedestal, into something alien to the lives of the people"
Che Guevara is one of few political leaders to this day that have proven themselves worthy of political power. He was very kind to people and helpful, never taking advantage of his position for personal gain. Unlike other heads of state - including the monarchies which is a subject all by itself. I personally think that the head of state should not live or eat better than the people they "rule" over. No expensive banquets on the taxpayer's money and lavish living beyond what their people have the opportunity to have. It doesn't help with good ideologies or promises when the people in charge don't practice what they preach, but instead create another elite in the hierarchy. Che Guevara saw that even communism had its limitations. He was a threat to the elites in both communism and capitalism.
AR: Have you considered submitting your book for inclusion in the curriculum of public schools and colleges?
ML: No, actually I haven't.
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book gotten thus far?
ML: I have received mostly positive reactions but of course you cannot please everyone. There are just certain issues in life that need to be addressed, like human rights and animal rights/welfare.
AR: We noticed that you've been writing since age 11 but that it took awhile for you to finally publish your poetry. What inspired you to craft Thoughts From Old Walls at this time?
ML: I have been wanting for a long time now to put together a little bouquet of selected poems and now just seemed to be a good time to do that. I have tried to mix together a blend of light and dark poems, like life itself.
AR: What are your future publishing plans?
ML: Well I have a few projects that I've been working on that I would like to dedicate more time to, as well as my next poetry book that I am currently focusing on.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
ML: I think it is important to make a pledge to oneself that you will color your own canvas in life and to follow your dreams, but at the same time never to forget to live in the moment and be present in your daily life and make the best of it. To find magic in the little things around you.
AR: Thanks again, Marianne, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
ML: Thank you very much.