Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author Harmony Kent and my review
Posted: September 18, 2021 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Interview, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Author Interview, Book Review, Poetry, Poetry Collection, Robbie Cheadle, Writing to be Read 102 Comments
Today, I am delighted to feature poet and author Harmony Kent as my guest for Treasuring Poetry. I have read one of Harmony’s fictional books and her non-fiction book, Creative Solutions for the Modern Writer: Inspirational Tools to Fire Your Imagination, and they are both excellent. I have read and reviewed her poetry book, Slices of Soul: A Collection of Contemporary Poetry.
Welcome Harmony!
Which of your own poems is your favourite?
VOYAGE
Into the unknown we go
riding the ocean breeze
tacking this way and that
not too concerned with the far horizon
At peace, keeping an eye on the waves
that toss us about now and then
sailing through bright day
and deep dark night
It matters not
what tempest may come
we will weather the storms together
while we wend our way
We’ve lain our course
taken our soundings
and with love at the helm
we’ll keep a steady pace
Call it what you will
scow, skiff, sloop, hulk, schooner, bucket
so long as we caulk the boards and set the stays
we shall not founder
There’s no glory like it
in the heavens or on the Earth
than sailing free into the fire
of the sun as it sets into the glistening sea
What inspired you to write this particular poem?
When I met the love of my life, right away, we both went through some tough personal times. Those hardships brought us closer, and we’ve now been married for two years.
Which genre of poetry do you enjoy writing the most and why?
Some form of Haiku, because it forces me write with brevity and choose my words with utmost care.
Which genre of poetry do you enjoy reading the most?
As with my writing, my reading is eclectic. I enjoy a broad range of styles and genres.
What is your favourite poem?
Auguries of Innocence by William Blake
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
A Robin Red breast in a Cage
Puts all Heaven in a Rage
A Dove house filled with Doves & Pigeons
Shudders Hell through all its regions
A dog starved at his Masters Gate
Predicts the ruin of the State
A Horse misused upon the Road
Calls to Heaven for Human blood
Each outcry of the hunted Hare
A fibre from the Brain does tear
A Skylark wounded in the wing
A Cherubim does cease to sing
The Game Cock clipped & armed for fight
Does the Rising Sun affright
Every Wolfs & Lions howl
Raises from Hell a Human Soul
The wild deer, wandering here & there
Keeps the Human Soul from Care
The Lamb misused breeds Public Strife
And yet forgives the Butchers knife
The Bat that flits at close of Eve
Has left the Brain that wont Believe
The Owl that calls upon the Night
Speaks the Unbelievers fright
He who shall hurt the little Wren
Shall never be beloved by Men
He who the Ox to wrath has moved
Shall never be by Woman loved
The wanton Boy that kills the Fly
Shall feel the Spiders enmity
He who torments the Chafers Sprite
Weaves a Bower in endless Night
The Caterpillar on the Leaf
Repeats to thee thy Mothers grief
Kill not the Moth nor Butterfly
For the Last Judgment draweth nigh
He who shall train the Horse to War
Shall never pass the Polar Bar
The Beggars Dog & Widows Cat
Feed them & thou wilt grow fat
The Gnat that sings his Summers Song
Poison gets from Slanders tongue
The poison of the Snake & Newt
Is the sweat of Envy’s Foot
The poison of the Honey Bee
Is the Artists Jealousy
The Princes Robes & Beggars Rags
Are Toadstools on the Misers Bags
A Truth that’s told with bad intent
Beats all the Lies you can invent
It is right it should be so
Man was made for Joy & Woe
And when this we rightly know
Through the World we safely go
Joy & Woe are woven fine
A Clothing for the soul divine
Under every grief & pine
Runs a joy with silken twine
The Babe is more than swaddling Bands
Throughout all these Human Lands
Tools were made & Born were hands
Every Farmer Understands
Every Tear from Every Eye
Becomes a Babe in Eternity
This is caught by Females bright
And returned to its own delight
The Bleat the Bark Bellow & Roar
Are Waves that Beat on Heavens Shore
The Babe that weeps the Rod beneath
Writes Revenge in realms of Death
The Beggars Rags fluttering in Air
Does to Rags the Heavens tear
The Soldier armed with Sword & Gun
Palsied strikes the Summers Sun
The poor Man’s Farthing is worth more
Than all the Gold on Africs Shore
One Mite wrung from the Labrers hands
Shall buy & sell the Misers Lands
Or if protected from on high
Does that whole Nation sell & buy
He who mocks the Infants Faith
Shall be mocked in Age & Death
He who shall teach the Child to Doubt
The rotting Grave shall neer get out
He who respects the Infants faith
Triumphs over Hell & Death
The Childs Toys & the Old Man’s Reasons
Are the Fruits of the Two seasons
The Questioner who sits so sly
Shall never know how to Reply
He who replies to words of Doubt
Doth put the Light of Knowledge out
The Strongest Poison ever known
Came from Caesars Laurel Crown
Nought can Deform the Human Race
Like to the Armours iron brace
When Gold & Gems adorn the Plow
To peaceful Arts shall Envy Bow
A Riddle or the Crickets Cry
Is to Doubt a fit Reply
The Emmets Inch & Eagles Mile
Make Lame Philosophy to smile
He who Doubts from what he sees
Will ne’er Believe do what you Please
If the Sun & Moon should Doubt
They’d immediately Go out
To be in a Passion you Good may Do
But no Good if a Passion is in you
The Whore & Gambler by the State
Licenced build that Nations Fate
The Harlots cry from Street to Street
Shall weave Old England’s winding Sheet
The Winners Shout the Losers Curse
Dance before dead England’s Hearse
Every Night & every Morn
Some to Misery are Born
Every Morn and every Night
Some are Born to sweet delight
Some are Born to sweet delight
Some are Born to Endless Night
We are led to Believe a Lie
When we see not Thro the Eye
Which was Born in a Night to perish in a Night
When the Soul Slept in Beams of Light
God Appears & God is Light
To those poor Souls who dwell in Night
But does a Human Form Display To those who Dwell in Realms of day
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43650/auguries-of-innocence
Slices of Soul: A Collection of Contemporary Poetry
What Amazon says
Slices of Soul is a collection of contemporary poetry from author Harmony Kent that will both delight and call for deeper reflection. ‘Phantoms’ gives a gritty account of pain that you can never catch. ‘Enough’ expresses the contentment of Zen. ‘Diamonds’ shows the beauty to be found on a drab and rainy day. While ‘The Alchemist’ shows you how a guitar can turn lead into gold. This wonderful arrangement of fifty poems takes you from the abstract of Zen to the melody of music, and will reach into your mind, your heart, and your soul.
My review
Slices of Soul is a compelling and unusual collection of poetry which certainly does give the reader glimpses into the complex soul and unusual life of the poet.
I think it is important to note that the poet spent 13 years living in a Zen Buddhist Temple and that the poems featured in this book were written, during and after this period in her life. I believe that her spiritualism and surroundings had a bearing on the thoughts and ideas expressed through the poems in this book.
The poems are divided into sections: Shaved Head, written during her time at the Zen Buddhist Temple, Short Hair, written during the transitional period of her changing life circumstances, and Long Hair which effectively covers all the remaining sections in the book and were written after she’d adjusted to her new life.
I felt the tone of the poems changed over the course of the book from intense reflections on life, to studies of nature, to fierce expressions of emotion, to gentler articulations of love and contentment.
The two poems that impacted me the most in this collection are from the first two sections of the book, Shaved Hair and Short Hair:
The Path
The ten directions all merge into one
this winding road leads nowhere
and goes straight there
Lost and Found
Deep dark depths
I got lost on purpose
this desolate place
the only way
to get my bearings
Poetry lovers who like poems that make you think about things and see them differently will appreciate this book.
Purchase Slices of Soul
Amazon Author Page Harmony Kent
About Harmony Kent
Harmony Kent is an award winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:
The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree/New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
Interludes 1 & Interludes 2 (Erotic Short Stories)
Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)
Jewel in the Mud (Zen Musings)
Backstage (Erotic Romance)
FALLOUT (Apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic Dystopia) BRAG Medallion Honouree
The Vanished Boy (Psychological Thriller)
As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers reviews and supports her fellow authors. Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes. Harmony lives in Cornwall, England.
twitter: @harmony_kent
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/HarmonyK
About Robbie Cheadle
Robbie Cheadle is a South African children’s author and poet with 9 children’s books and 1 poetry book.
The 7 Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie has also published 2 books for older children which incorporate recipes that are relevant to the storylines.
Robbie has 2 adult novels in the paranormal historical and supernatural fantasy genres published under the name Roberta Eaton Cheadle. She also has short stories in the horror and paranormal genre and poems included in several anthologies.
Robbie writes a monthly series for https://writingtoberead.com called Growing Bookworms. This series discusses different topics relating to the benefits of reading to children.
Robbie has a blog, https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/ where she shares book reviews, recipes, author interviews, and poetry.
Find Robbie Cheadle
Blog: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Blog: robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com
Twitter: BakeandWrite
Instagram: Robbie Cheadle – Instagram
Facebook: Sir Chocolate Books
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Want to be sure not to miss any of Robbie’s “Treasuring Poetry” segments? Subscribe to Writing to be Read for e-mail notifications whenever new content is posted or follow WtbR on WordPress.
Writing to be Read 
Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
My Treasuring Poetry guest today, over at Writing to be Read blog, is talented poet and author, Harmony Kent. Harmony has shared her thoughts about poetry and I’ve shared my review of her beautiful poetry book, Slices of Soul. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for inviting me to be a guest today, Robbie. It’s great to be here 🙂💕🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is lovely to have you over, Harmony. I really enjoyed your book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
💖💖💖😁
LikeLike
Harmony is such a great help to writers, and so active on Twitter promoting them too. Nice to see her featured here, and to read your excellent review.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 4 people
That’s so lovely to read. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, Pete 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pete. Harmony is a wonderful supporter of writers and I enjoy Story Empire very much. Her books is excellent, very thought provoking.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can see why “Voyage” is Harmony’s favorite poem of hers, from the perspective of both subject and craft. I love the extended metaphor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Liz. I had such fun with the metaphor 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Liz, Voyage is a delightful poem. I enjoyed Harmony’s poetry book very much. I selected the poems that made me think the most about life to share, but all her poems are beautiful.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much for showcasing my poetry and me today! I’m thrilled. It’s an honour and a pleasure 🙂💕🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Harmony, thank you for being a great guest. Your poetry is very powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖💖💖😁
LikeLike
[…] Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to be showcased as Robbie Cheadle’s guest poet on Writing to be aread (https://writingtoberead.com/2021/09/18/treasuring-poetry-meet-poet-and-author-harmony-kent-and-my-re…😉 today! […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
Blogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/harmonys-poetry-showcase-via-bakeandwrite-godsangel1/ and shared 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for boosting the post, Harmony.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing and for being Robbie’s guest, Harmony. It’s a pleasure to learn about you here and I thank Robbie for the introduction. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice interview and lovely poetry samples. “Voyage” made me smile. I think shaved, short, and long hair is a unique and clever way to mark the passage of time and emotion through the collection. Good review, too!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m thrilled with the review and being showcased here. Thanks, Priscilla 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Priscilla, I really enjoyed Harmony’s choices of both her own and her favourite poems. This is an excellent collection of poems and I enjoyed walking Harmony’s poetic path with her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing, Michael 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michael.
LikeLiked by 3 people
🙏
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing, Michael. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the well choosen poems, and the wonderful interview. Have a nice weekend! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Michael. Have a wonderful weekend, too 🙂💕🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Harmony! 🙏
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Michael, thank you for visiting and supporting Harmony and her lovely book. Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Robbie, for featuring Harmony and her poetry — and for sharing your review. I loved Slices of Soul, the title itself even captured me. Congratulations to Harmony — you deserve “front and center”. 💗
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Gwen, for your support and lovely words! 🙂💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Gwen, I hope you are well. The title is a very good one for this book as Harmony’s poetry does share slices of her life and path. I am delighted to showcase Harmony here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How delightful! Just loved, Voyage and the Blake selection. Celebrating your every success, Harmony! Carry on.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Annette 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Annette, this is a delightful book. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I can really feel her connection to spirit in her words. (K)
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s fantastic. Thanks so much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
HI Kerfe, very much so. Harmony’s poetry is very powerful.
LikeLiked by 3 people
How awesome that the poetry book is divided into sections, as Harmony morphed from her life as a Zen monk into something different. And obviously, the hair played a big part. Thank you, Robbie, for sharing your thoughts on this book and for the fabulous feature on Harmony!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Jan 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Jan, a fascinating book that is very reflective of the growth and change of the poet. I really enjoyed her book.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Ed.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing, Ed 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thaks for sharing , Ed. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Wonderful to see Harmony presented here today.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Craig, lovely to see you here. Harmony is a great guest and a talented poet and writer.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Craig. Wonderful to be here 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m intrigued that Harmony lived in a Buddhist temple for 13 years! I’m a Theravadin Buddhist, although I’ve never pursued a formal spiritual path other than by self-study. I’m sure this experience has influenced her poetic and writing journey. I’ve added the book to my TBR. I can’t wait to read it! ❤
LikeLiked by 4 people
HI Colleen, I didn’t know that you were a Buddhist. It is a fascinating religion. You will enjoy Harmony’s path very much. The poetry is incredible compelling.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I grabbed a copy immediately! I’m a Buddhist and a pagan, which somehow fits into my spirituality. I’m thrilled about Harmony. We just decided yesterday that we would form our own critique group, which is something I’ve been desperate for. There’s a definite synchronicity here! I’m so glad I found this post! It was a brilliant review, Robbie. Thank you so much. ❤
LikeLiked by 4 people
That is wonderful, Colleen.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Robbie. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
A fellow Buddhist! And amazing how the universe has brought us together recently,
Colleen. Thanks for your lovely words 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I was totally blown away! Harmony, the universe works in interesting ways, doesn’t it? The first thing I did was run in and tell my husband that you were also Buddhist. I lived in the UK for about 3 years from 1980-1983. Part of the time I was in the Air Force stationed at RAF Lakenheath. I have fond memories of my UK adventure. I’m feeling a bit of synchronicity here… ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s wonderful to see Harmony being featured here. I can relate the thoughts and feelings in Voyage, a great choice represents a meaningful relationship. I studied Buddhism briefly when I was young but never pursued the practice. I could imagine the transitioning of life from the shaved head, short hair, and long hair. Congratulations to Harmony!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Miriam! I’m delighted you can relate to the poetry 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure to read your poetry, Harmony. ☺️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Miriam, thank you for visiting and adding your thoughts to this discussion. This book, for me, clearly showed the poet’s transition over this period in thoughts and ideas. It is interesting and makes for an excellent read.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m sure it’s an interesting read and I’ll check it out, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 3 people
What a great interview with inspiring and insightful poems shared. Wonderful review too. I loved Slices of Soul and glad to see it here today!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Denise. Your words mean a lot 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Denise, that is wonderful to know. I am glad you enjoyed this post.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Voyage is a beautiful poem, Harmony. Super interview, Thanks, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thrilled you loved the Poem. Thanks, John 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John. Harmony’s poetry is compelling.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some wonderful poetry.. both Harmony’s and William Blake’s. lovely interview both of you…hugsxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sally, and for your share. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Delighted to pass along Robbie..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Sally! So glad you enjoyed this 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for introducing me to this book of poetry, Robbie. I have learned much from Harmony’s posts in support of writers. I look forward to reading this collection.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Dan, I found Harmony’s thoughts expressed through these poems exceptionally compelling. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for those lovely words, Dan 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wonderful review and great poetry examples! Congrats, Harmony. Slices of Soul is on my kindle–time to move it up! Sharing…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Bette, this is an intriguing collection. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s great. Thanks, Bette 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
A great review of a talented lady Robbie.
Massive Hugs
LikeLiked by 3 people
HI David, you are right. Harmony’s a wonderful poet and writer. I have read other books of hers and have another on my TBR.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, David. Massive hugs your way, too 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Harmony’s poetry is emotive and lovely. It’s great to see her work highlighted here with Robbie. Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Jacquie, I am delighted to showcase Harmony’s poetry here. Thank you for visiting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Jacquie 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was lovely reading Harmony’s poetry here and learning the inspiration for the one she chose as her favorite. And I’m a fan on Blake too. That was a beautiful share. Your review of Slices of Soul was excellent, Robbie. I enjoyed the collection too as well as the glimpses it gave into Harmony’s unusual life. A wonderful post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Diana, I often see your reviews when I post mine. You are always one step ahead of me. This is an insightful and powerful book of poems.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Not always, Robbie… I often see yours as I post mine! Ha ha.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Diana 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I really enjoyed Harmony’s poetry and seeing her here in the spotlight Robbie. Great feature! Hugs xx
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Debby, I am delighted you enjoyed it. Harmony is a lovely writer.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I wholeheartedly agree Robbie 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Debby. It’s great to be here 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Nice to see yet another side to Harmony.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is, isn’t it? Thanks for visiting, Staci.
LikeLiked by 2 people
[…] Head over to find out which of her own poems Harmony considers her favourite and read Robbie’s review for Slices of Soul: Robbie Cheadle interviews Harmony Kent […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing, Sally. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two wonderful examples of poetry coupled with a great review…:) x I hope Michael is still improving Robbie 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Carol, Michael is doing much better and will go back to school on MOnday if all goes well. We only get the CF test results next week but I’m hoping for a negative result. I’m delighted you enjoyed these poems, Harmony writes beautifully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes she does, Robbie.. I am pleased Michael will be back at school kids are so resilient.. Fingers crossed his test will be negative hugs xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great interview, Robbie and Harmony! Great Q & A. I loved Harmony’s poem Voyage. 👏🤩💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Vashti, I am delighted you enjoyed this post. Harmony’s poetry is lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person