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Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author V.M. Sang and a review #poetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview

Posted: April 16, 2025 | Author: | Filed under: Book Review, Books, Poetry, Review, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: , , , , , |74 Comments
Picture caption: Treasuring Poetry 2025 banner

Today, I am delighted to Welcome V.M. Sang, author and poet, as my April Treasuring Poetry guest.

Welcome Viv!

Thank you, Robbie, for inviting me to come and chat about poetry. I am honoured that you asked me.

What is your favourite style of poetry to read?

I enjoy Haiku and Tanka. I appreciate the structure and the work that goes in to make the syllables fit. But I also enjoy sonnets.

What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?

I struggled with this. There are so many I enjoy. I like the 1st World War poets and their take on the war. Particularly poignant are the two lines from Yeates An Irish Airman Forsees His Death.

Those that I fight I do not hate

Those that I guard I do not love.

But one poem I’ve loved since studying it at College is the sonnet, Ozymandias, by Percy Bysshe Shelley. It is a warning to all who strive to get above themselves. I think it is particularly pertinent at this time.

Ozymandias

by Percy Bysshe Shelley

I met a traveller from an antique land,
Who said, “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal these words appear:
‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that Colossal Wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

What is your favourite style of poetry to write?

I enjoy writing most forms, but particularly those with a strict form, like the sonnet and the Japanese forms, but I especially like to write rhyming poetry. I know it’s not fashionable at the moment, but I find the discipline a challenge. Discovering words with the right sound and number of syllables can be quite a challenge.

What is your favourite of your own poems?

I have to admit that there are two, both related. ‘I Am Earth’ appears in my first poetry book, Miscellaneous Thoughts, and the second one ‘I Am Earth 2’ is in From January to June, February 7th.

I Am Earth

 I am Earth.

 I am your mother.

 I gave you birth.

I gave you a nest.

 A wonderful home

 On which you can rest.

I gave you food .

 Plenty to eat.

 You waste all that’s good.

I gave you the seas

 And forests and hills,

 But you chop down the trees.

You think you’re so cool,

 But you pollute the air

 By the burning of fuel.

You heat up the air

 And care not a jot

 For the poor polar bear.

Animals die

 Because of your greed.

 You hear not their cry.

I teemed with life,

 Both great and small,

 Yet extinction is rife.

Like a cancer you spread

 Throughout the whole world.

 It won’t end till you’re dead.

But I’ll make you pay

 For all you have done.

 You’ll be sorry one day.

I’ll shiver my skin.

 Your buildings will fall

 And bury your kin.

The land I will flood

 By raising the seas

 And drown all in mud.

My mountains so high

 Will belch forth their flames

 And you will all die.

I am Earth.

 I am your mother.

 I gave you birth.

BUT I WILL DESTROY YOU.

I Am Earth (2)

I am Earth.

I am your mother 

I gave you birth.

I told you

What will occur.

And now you will rue.

You ignore me

And take little heed

Of my anxious plea.

So I send you rain

To flood all your homes

And give you pain.

I send the drought

So no crops will grow.

There’s famine, no doubt.

I heat the world

And many will die

From the heat I have hurled.

Winds I will send

In hurricanes now.

Your lands they will rend.

Yet you will not learn.

To me you are deaf

So the world I will burn.

Fires in the summer;

Deep snow in the cold.

You get dumber and dumber.

My skin I do shiver

And make buildings fall

As the ground it does quiver.

I will belch forth fire

From deep in my heart.

Make Earth like a pyre.

Will you now learn?

Don’t exploit my wealth.

Or you I will burn.

I AM DESTROYING YOU.

Please tell us about your poetry books, One Poem A Day Series? How did this book come about? It is a big commitment to write a poem a day.

My daughter, when she was little, had a bedtime story book with a very short story or a little poem for each day of the year. It was amazing because when she asked for more, as children will, I could say that the next poem or story was tomorrow’s.

For some reason I found myself thinking about this book one day. I’ve no idea why. It was decades ago when she was so small. 

Then I thought, “Why not try to write one poem each day for a year, just like that book.” So that’s how it began.

It was quite difficult. Some days I had no inspiration and had to search for it. Other days I just didn’t feel like writing.

The discipline was good for me. I tend to be a procrastinator. There were some days when I couldn’t write due to circumstances, but I caught up by writing two poems until I was back on track.

My review of From January to June (One Poem A Day Series Book 1)

Picture caption: Cover of From January to June (One Poem A Day Series Book 1)

I enjoyed this collection of poetry very much. It is very British in its content and language and the poems reminded me of the stories of my mother has told me of her childhood growing up in a small town in Suffolk, UK. The references and descriptions are all familiar to me and reading this book was like putting on a comfortable dressing gown.

The style of the poems is varied from freestyle, to rhyming verse, to syllabic poetry and I enjoyed this aspect. There were also several limericks to make the reader smile. The content is also wide ranging from nature, to a Roman gods theme, to friends and family. The poems are grouped by month and tell a story of the poet’s daily experiences during that month in terms of the environment, the holidays, and entertainment.

A few of my favourite poems with a short synopsis:
Grown Up – a fun poem asking about why the poet should do certain expected things in order to be deemed grown up;
The Peacock – a delightful descriptive poem of a male peacock;
Destruction – a sad commentary of the damage humans have, and continue to, inflict on the planet;
The Fishmonger’s – a delicious commentary on the yummy seafood enjoyed by the poet;
Robin – a gorgeous depiction of a robin in the poet’s garden;
Starlings – a tanka about a murmuration of starlings going to roost;
Tea – a poem about English tea;
Blackpool – a comparative poem between the Blackpool of the poet’s childhood memories and the modern Blackpool;
Mum – a very special tribute to the poet’s mother;
Boudicca – a poem about this famous historical queen. I was interested to note that the name of this woman has been changed from Boudicea which is the name my mom always calls her. It cleared up a confusion for me;
Son – a delightful poem about the poet’s son;
Rainbow – an interesting and unique take on the colours of the rainbow;
Spring cleaning – an entertaining take on spring cleaning which is very familiar to me;
I am a Writer – a poem about why the poet writes. I always enjoy peeks into why poets and authors write;
True Love – a romantic poem about a lost love;
Teddy – a delightful poem about the poet’s teddy bear from childhood. I also had mine until recently;
Fickle Muse – a commentary about when the words don’t come;
Gardens, I’ll quote this short poem:
“Gardens are bits of heaven
Fallen from above.
Gardeners are angels
Tending them with love.”
Ode to Beer – an amusing poem about the historical and modern joys of beer;
The Village Green – my personal favourite in this collection. A poem about British communal life;

This is a delightful collection that really warmed my heart.

You can purchase From January to June (One Poem A Day Series Book 1) from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CNW1NQPZ

And from Amazon UK here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/January-June-One-Poem-Day/dp/482418892X

About V.M. Sang

Picture caption: V.M. Sang author photograph

V.M. Sang was born and lived her early life in Cheshire in the north west of England. She has always loved books and reading and learned to read before she went to school. 

During her teenage years she wrote some poetry, one of which was published in Tecknowledge,the magazine of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). Unfortunately, that is the only one that is still around.

V.M. Sang became a teacher and taught English and Science at her first school. 

She did little writing until starting to teach in Croydon, Greater London. Here she started a Dungeons and Dragons club in the school where she was teaching. She decided to write her own scenario. The idea of turning it into a novel formed but she did nothing about it until she took early retirement. Then she began to write The Wolves of Vimar Series. 

Walking has always been one of V.M. Sang’s favourite pastimes, having gone on walking holidays in her teens. She met her husband walking with the University Hiking Club, and they still enjoy walking on the South Downs. 

V.M.Sang also enjoys a variety of crafts, such as card making, tatting, crochet, knitting etc. She also draws and paints.

V.M.Sang is married with two children, a girl and a boy. Her daughter has three children and she loves to spend time with them. 

She now lives in East Sussex with her husband.

Find V.M. Sang

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23500375-vivienne-sang

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/sang0566/

Amazon Author Profile: http://viewauthor.at/VMSang

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carthinal/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.m.sang/

Bluesky: @aspholessaria.bsky.social

Find V.M. Sang’s books

FANTASY

The Wolves of Vimar series.

The Wolf Pack https://books2read.com/u/m0lxEy

The Never-Dying Man https://books2read.com/u/3R6ozR

Wolf Moon https://books2read.com/u/mvWjXe

The Wolves of Vimar prequels.

Jovinda and Noli

https://books2read.com/u/mgjrO0

The Making of a Mage

https://books2read.com/u/mddNNO

Dreams of an Elf Maid

https://books2read.com/u/4ElDZg

Horselords:

https://books2read.com/u/31XQ0a

Elemental Worlds duo.

The Stones of Earth and Air

https://books2read.com/u/mYygKV

The Stones of Fire and Water

https://books2read.com/u/brwoVE

Historical Fiction

A Family Through the Ages

Vengeance of a Slave

https://books2read.com/u/3kLZxR

Jealousy of a Viking

https://books2read.com/u/bMYGKk

POETRY BOOKS


Miscellaneous Thoughts.

tps://books2read.com/u/38Pzpr

January to June. One Poem a Day. Book 1

https://books2read.com/u/bx6azJ

July to December. One Poem a Day. Book 2

https://books2read.com/u/3kXvDR

Non-Fiction

Viv’s Family Recipes

https://books2read.com/u/mVR7dM

All the books are available in many formats, including audio for several of them.

About Robbie Cheadle

Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author picture

South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

________________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

__________________________

This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.

Get Your Copy Today!

Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures

Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR

Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature

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74 Comments on “Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author V.M. Sang and a review #poetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview”

  1. Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author V.M. Sang and a review #poetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview – Robbie's inspiration says:
    April 16, 2025 at 12:33 am

    […] Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author V.M. Sang and a review #poetry #poetrycommunity #bookrevi… […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar OIKOS™- Art, Books & more says:
    April 16, 2025 at 1:08 am

    Hi, Robbie! At first – it must be – congratulations to your new style. You are looking fantastic! A noble lady from the South. Thanks for introducing Vivianne and her work. That’s for sure a great statement “I appreciate the structure and the work that goes in to make the syllables fit.” Myself i only produce misfits. I enjoy the poems about the earth. So timely and heart wrenching. One poem a day is also a great start to get closer to the syllables. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  3. ivor20's avatar ivor20 says:
    April 16, 2025 at 4:11 am

    A wonderful interview, and she too, enjoys writing Haiku and Tanka. I loved her two “Earth” poems, Robbie

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  4. Ephemeral Encounters's avatar Ephemeral Encounters says:
    April 16, 2025 at 4:21 am

    So enjoyed Robbie
    Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  5. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    April 16, 2025 at 5:46 am

    Viv has such amazing poetic talent, that I believe she was born to write! Great share, Robbie, thank you, ladies!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. Cindy Georgakas's avatar Cindy Georgakas says:
    April 16, 2025 at 6:23 am

    Lovely meeting Viv and her wonderful poetry Robbie! I love your photo!
    🩷

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  7. Unknown's avatar I’m visiting Robbie Cheadle on her blog tomorrow. | Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author) says:
    April 16, 2025 at 7:06 am

    […] Go to Robbie’s blog. […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. V.M.Sang's avatar V.M.Sang says:
    April 16, 2025 at 7:21 am

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to appear on your blog and to meet some new people. And also many thanks for your fantastic review of Book 1 of One Poem a Day.

    The ebook version is free on Amazon.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  9. D. Wallace Peach's avatar D. Wallace Peach says:
    April 16, 2025 at 9:15 am

    A wonderful interview and look at poetry through Viv’s eyes. I enjoyed her choice of Shelley’s poem as well as her pair of poems. And a great review of Viv’s January to June collection. Thanks for the fun, Viv and Robbie, and thanks for hosting Kaye Lynne. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. Liz Gauffreau's avatar Liz Gauffreau says:
    April 16, 2025 at 9:32 am

    Thank you for introducing us to Viv and her heartfelt poetry!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:
    April 16, 2025 at 10:16 am

    Lovely to see Vivienne featured here, and her choice of ‘Ozymandius’ was perfect. Shared on Twitter, Robbie.

    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  12. V.M.Sang's avatar V.M.Sang says:
    April 16, 2025 at 12:59 pm

    I hope you enjoy the next one , too. Robbie.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  13. Anne's avatar Anne says:
    April 16, 2025 at 12:59 pm

    This has been great fun to read 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  14. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar Sue Dreamwalker says:
    April 16, 2025 at 3:26 pm

    I loved your conversation with Viv, … and her poems Earth… spoke to my heart about our Earth Mother… And a wonderful achievement of one poem a day…
    Wishing you both well…. and great successes to you both with your publications

    xx ❤ Sue xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  15. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:
    April 16, 2025 at 6:18 pm

    Another multi-talented poet. Thanks for introducing us to her. (K)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  16. Unknown's avatar Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author V.M. Sang and a review #poetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview – Patty's Worlds says:
    April 16, 2025 at 7:08 pm

    […] https://writingtoberead.com/2025/04/16/treasuring-poetry-meet-poet-and-author-v-m-sang-and-a-review-… […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. Audrey Driscoll's avatar Audrey Driscoll says:
    April 16, 2025 at 9:43 pm

    Thanks, Robbie, for this introduction to Viv and her thoughts on poetry. I enjoyed reading the poems too!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  18. wordsfromanneli's avatar wordsfromanneli says:
    April 16, 2025 at 10:51 pm

    Congrats on the book, Vivienne. I was pleasantly surprised to read that Ozymandias is one of your favourite poems. I have loved that poem since the day I first read it in high school.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Jacqui Murray's avatar Jacqui Murray says:
    April 17, 2025 at 8:17 am

    So true, about Earth. She has powers we can’t comprehend.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  20. Dawn Pisturino's avatar Dawn Pisturino says:
    April 17, 2025 at 11:30 am

    Thank you for sharing this poet’s work. I have not heard of her before. And I agree, your new photo is lovely. Very mod, 60s style.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  21. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar Lauren Scott, Author says:
    April 17, 2025 at 5:40 pm

    Hi Robbie, I enjoyed this wonderful interview and introduction to Viv. Her two poems are fabulous and powerful. Thanks for the great review of her book too; I like the concept of writing a poem every day. And like others have said, your new photo is lovely! 🙂 Thanks also for hosting, Kaye!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  22. Resa's avatar Resa says:
    April 17, 2025 at 7:01 pm

    A wonderful interview and review Robbie.

    I especially like the short poem you chose.

    I think a story a day, or a poem a day is kind of zen. You get to contemplate it, like a saying a day, or thought of the day.

    Of course they need to be good with substance, which from your review, this book seems to deliver.

    Thank you Robbie!

    Thank you V.M. Sang!

    Thank you Kaye Lynne!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  23. Carla's avatar Carla says:
    April 27, 2025 at 5:21 pm

    Both of the poems, I am Earth are extremely thought provoking, and scary to think what is happening to our world. Thanks for introducing me to V.M. Sang. BTW, I love your new picture.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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