An Energy of Vision

Joseph McCullough

4/10/2006 general fiction novel, book review, Joseph McCullough, An Energy of Vision, poetry, poem, haiku, Jandy's Reading Room

Review is by Molly

An Energy of Vision is a work of haiku verse offered by writer McCullough. Unlike many poetry books ‘An Energy of Vision’ begins as an untitled thought ‘Art imitates life; no idea is greater than the being of it’ and sweeps on from subject to subject, notion to notion over the next 140+ pages. Stanza after stanza flows across the sheet as the poet sets down his thinking and thoughts. Buddha, Allah, God are all declaimed. Cycles of nature, space, stars and the purpose of life are set down alongside words telling of pillars of sunlight, the spirit of life and a stone. Expressions to describe Numbers, Masters, Ideas and Planets influence the reader toward reading of people who share thoughts, the role of humans and mystic voices. The minstrel considers a Mozambique tale, women who control the world, and Aquarius pi before turning his attention a country without religion, spider web shadows and an advance token from a jitney bus. A million raindrops, the battle of ancient clouds and celebration in the forest lead into discussion the flow and ebb of human tides. Air Force one, a cemetery stone and the stages of life are each discussed. The bard finishes up with ‘an idea never ends even when forgotten; a system of thoughts.

Lyrist McCullough illustrates his sylvan propensity on the pages of this appealing work. An Energy of Vision showcases McCullough’s excitement for life. Unpretentious refrains filled with intensity, acuity and reflection are included in this atypical presentation technique. Devotees of rhythm and style will definitely be excited as they find themselves resting repeatedly to appreciate a line or a longer portion before going on to the next inviting section. Poet McCullough exhibits an uncommon propensity for taking the prosaic consequences of existence and turning them into an enticing work. Filled with refined, penetrating, words to enthrall, and animate are offered as McCullough views the journal of life to produce a composition of charming work. Passion, mortality, knowledge; all are declared to the core of the reader in a most easy-going and measurable manner.

I found the stanzas lying within the pages An Energy of Vision intriguing in their form. Phrases flow unimpeded; thoughts ebb and wane as the poet addresses theme after theme. Topics that seemingly do not fit together do so very well under the talented pen of writer McCullough. An Energy of Vision offers the reader a far-reaching diversity of elan, subject and feelings to fit any reader want or need. I enjoyed the wide variety of thesis from the heartfelt to thoughtful, tribute to merry. There is truly something for everyone, and something for every occasion included in the work. Verse compositions are grouped by subjects, address each and then course onto the next without hesitation. That poet McCullough loves and understands words, their emanation and significance is manifest. An Energy of Vision is a banner addition to the home pleasure reading shelf, the school library as requisite reading for upper grade and high school students as well as for the home school schedule to be used for acquainting young people to absorbing, meritorious poetry presented in unique manner.

An Energy of Vision is a volume designed to be read and then brought out often for re reading again and again. I especially like the author’s methodology of the work seemingly to stream unimpeded from page to page; from beginning to end. It is a premium edition for a long winter afternoon or a quick stanza or two while waiting for an appointment.

You can find more about this book at .