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On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide
Love, loss, witchcraft, avocado toast, and storming the patriarchy: an inclusive poetic perspective on millennial life.
The ocean is one of the greatest metaphors: the ebb and flow of love and loss, the tumultuous emotions that roil beneath a blue-calm surface, the search for meaning in the endless horizons of sea and sky. On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide is a deep dive into reflections on the calms and tempests of everyday life.
Alannah Radburn’s poetry floats to the surface amidst the messy chaos of personal relationships and societal constructs, and comes together in a relatable perfect storm of practical wisdom. If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in feelings or searching to find meaning in today’s turbulent times, you will find a lifeline in these poems.
The ocean is one of the greatest metaphors: the ebb and flow of love and loss, the tumultuous emotions that roil beneath a blue-calm surface, the search for meaning in the endless horizons of sea and sky. On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide is a deep dive into reflections on the calms and tempests of everyday life.
Alannah Radburn’s poetry floats to the surface amidst the messy chaos of personal relationships and societal constructs, and comes together in a relatable perfect storm of practical wisdom. If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in feelings or searching to find meaning in today’s turbulent times, you will find a lifeline in these poems.
128 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2023
About the author
Alannah Radburn
5 books11 followersqueer therapist writing poetry in Ottawa, Canada.
mermaid author of 'on an ebbing seafood tide' out now with Central Ave Publishing
author of full length self published collections 'on a lilac laced dusk', 'on a cherry perfect eve' and 'Yellow'
author of witchy chapbook 'excerpts from my exorcism'
poems of whimsy, wilderness and witchery
mermaid author of 'on an ebbing seafood tide' out now with Central Ave Publishing
author of full length self published collections 'on a lilac laced dusk', 'on a cherry perfect eve' and 'Yellow'
author of witchy chapbook 'excerpts from my exorcism'
poems of whimsy, wilderness and witchery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Shelved as '2023'
June 14, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing
July 28, 2023
What a beautiful book! Alannah just has a way of putting words together that just made my heart swoon and I couldn't help falling in love with this book. There was even a part where she was describing sea turtles and I thought to myself... "Why am I relating to sea turtles?" LOL. So so beautiful 4/5 stars!
Before I forget, I also wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC!
Before I forget, I also wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC!
June 11, 2024
I fear that if someone took the time to look through my poetry collection reviews specifically, they would find them quite similar in the format and what I say, but I am yet to find a better way to convey that collections are usually exactly that - collections of different experiences reading.
On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide is an exploration of different big and all-consuming emotions like love, grief, and self-discovery. There is so much emotion packed into this book and I think it opens very strongly and sucks the reader in. I enjoyed the imagery and the rawness Alannah Radburn brings with this collection. It creates a good atmosphere and transports the reader right into whatever emotion a particular poem conveys.
However, I do feel there is a lack of cohesion as the book continues and the collection just jumps from a topic to another in slightly jarring fashion. And in all honesty, which is to be expected in a collection, not all of the poems drew me in the same - there were simply some that didn't work for me as much. The writing was solid for the most part, it is solid even in the poems I didn't necessarily 'care' about, but I did feel the disconnect and slight repetitiveness as the book continued.
All in all, this was a pretty solid collection and I would recommend it :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review!
On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide is an exploration of different big and all-consuming emotions like love, grief, and self-discovery. There is so much emotion packed into this book and I think it opens very strongly and sucks the reader in. I enjoyed the imagery and the rawness Alannah Radburn brings with this collection. It creates a good atmosphere and transports the reader right into whatever emotion a particular poem conveys.
However, I do feel there is a lack of cohesion as the book continues and the collection just jumps from a topic to another in slightly jarring fashion. And in all honesty, which is to be expected in a collection, not all of the poems drew me in the same - there were simply some that didn't work for me as much. The writing was solid for the most part, it is solid even in the poems I didn't necessarily 'care' about, but I did feel the disconnect and slight repetitiveness as the book continued.
All in all, this was a pretty solid collection and I would recommend it :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review!
April 29, 2021
Thank you to the author Alannah Radburn (@alannahradburn.poetry) for sending me this wonderful poetry book in exchange for an honest review.
‘On an ebbing seafom tide’ is a book written by Alannah Radburn that combines poetry and prose. It is the third part of the trilogy ‘Nature of love’ and it explores different themes like love, grief or trying to find oneself.
In this book we join Alannah on her journey as she learns, loves, and discovers that doing both things at the same time is what makes us feel alive. In spite of the book being the last one in a trilogy, it can be read as a standalone because it has its own story to tell. For me reading this book by itself wasn’t a problem at all because the intensity of the feelings the author expresses are more than enough to understand and feel this book.
The book is divided into four parts, each of them transporting us to a different emotion. Throughout the whole book, Alannah captivates you with her words that are filled with passion and sorrow as she leads you through her stories, thoughts and sentiments.
The poems are so intense and real that sometimes you need to reread them a couple of times to fully understand them. My favourite poems where those about finding a new love, however, I have to mention that I was also deeply moved by those talking about human rights, feminism and homophobia. The way in which Alannah turns her feelings into poems feels very touching, heart-warming and sometimes even heartbreaking.
If you enjoy poetry I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book! Let yourself let yourself feel and love with the author by joining her on her journey. You won’t regret it!
‘On an ebbing seafom tide’ is a book written by Alannah Radburn that combines poetry and prose. It is the third part of the trilogy ‘Nature of love’ and it explores different themes like love, grief or trying to find oneself.
In this book we join Alannah on her journey as she learns, loves, and discovers that doing both things at the same time is what makes us feel alive. In spite of the book being the last one in a trilogy, it can be read as a standalone because it has its own story to tell. For me reading this book by itself wasn’t a problem at all because the intensity of the feelings the author expresses are more than enough to understand and feel this book.
The book is divided into four parts, each of them transporting us to a different emotion. Throughout the whole book, Alannah captivates you with her words that are filled with passion and sorrow as she leads you through her stories, thoughts and sentiments.
The poems are so intense and real that sometimes you need to reread them a couple of times to fully understand them. My favourite poems where those about finding a new love, however, I have to mention that I was also deeply moved by those talking about human rights, feminism and homophobia. The way in which Alannah turns her feelings into poems feels very touching, heart-warming and sometimes even heartbreaking.
If you enjoy poetry I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book! Let yourself let yourself feel and love with the author by joining her on her journey. You won’t regret it!
May 23, 2023
I have mixed thoughts about this collection.
It started very strong, with beautiful and powerful imagery and themes of love, relationship, home and finding one's place. The pieces feel connected together by a thread.
Unfortunately, it seems like the second part of the book took a turn and the selection of works starts to feel a bit random or, at least, detached from one another.
There are poems at the end that I think should have been grouped with the beginning of the collection, and the texts about abuse and gun violence do not fit the rest of the book at all. They would have benefited from either being in a closed section at the end or in a separate collection, as they are quite jarring against the rest of the works. (Not that they aren't important poems, but it felt like they were apart from everything else, came as quite a shock, and then diminish the impact of the following poems as all your mind can think about is the brutality of those themes.)
That said, there are so many poems I loved in this collection and I have highlighted amazing lines throughout the collection. Here are just a few of my favourite ones.
you gift me your laughter
and it is wrapped in sunlight
branches whisper in the language of the wind
to know her mundane is to be
gifted her intimacy
i saw a leaf drift past the window
and wondered where it was off to
no one will make a song-less bird of me again
Also, the illustrations on the cover and the section pages are beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
It started very strong, with beautiful and powerful imagery and themes of love, relationship, home and finding one's place. The pieces feel connected together by a thread.
Unfortunately, it seems like the second part of the book took a turn and the selection of works starts to feel a bit random or, at least, detached from one another.
There are poems at the end that I think should have been grouped with the beginning of the collection, and the texts about abuse and gun violence do not fit the rest of the book at all. They would have benefited from either being in a closed section at the end or in a separate collection, as they are quite jarring against the rest of the works. (Not that they aren't important poems, but it felt like they were apart from everything else, came as quite a shock, and then diminish the impact of the following poems as all your mind can think about is the brutality of those themes.)
That said, there are so many poems I loved in this collection and I have highlighted amazing lines throughout the collection. Here are just a few of my favourite ones.
you gift me your laughter
and it is wrapped in sunlight
branches whisper in the language of the wind
to know her mundane is to be
gifted her intimacy
i saw a leaf drift past the window
and wondered where it was off to
no one will make a song-less bird of me again
Also, the illustrations on the cover and the section pages are beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 10, 2023
I have come to enjoy reading poetry every now and then and I think I enjoy it because I dont just connect to the book, I connect with the author behind the words. We get a glimpse into their feelings and relate it to our lives in some way.
I really enjoyed these collections being based around the ocean. It gave me summer vibes and a sort of light-heartedness while I was reading. Even with that though, this book has a lot of deeper meaning and focuses on topics within our society that dont always get the right recognition like relationships within the LGBTQ+ community or aspects of feminism, and other issues within our society.
Some poems were kind of hard for me to decipher, but again, I dont normally read poetry, so this is 100% a me problem lol but that is why I continue to read them! Thank you so much @alannahradburn.poetry @centralavenuepublishing and @Netgalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book comes out in July, so keep your eyes peeled! I totally recommend!
There were so many poems that stuck out to me, but this one really got me as its an ongoing issue within our society that just wont stop.
It doesn’t even have time to become history
Before it repeats itself
All of the lawmakers and pocket-liners
Slide on their sunglasses
And try to sneak out the exit wounds
In the back.
But the rest of the world sees you;
And the rest of the world will plant flowers
And mourn for the children.
While America loads another gun.
I really enjoyed these collections being based around the ocean. It gave me summer vibes and a sort of light-heartedness while I was reading. Even with that though, this book has a lot of deeper meaning and focuses on topics within our society that dont always get the right recognition like relationships within the LGBTQ+ community or aspects of feminism, and other issues within our society.
Some poems were kind of hard for me to decipher, but again, I dont normally read poetry, so this is 100% a me problem lol but that is why I continue to read them! Thank you so much @alannahradburn.poetry @centralavenuepublishing and @Netgalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book comes out in July, so keep your eyes peeled! I totally recommend!
There were so many poems that stuck out to me, but this one really got me as its an ongoing issue within our society that just wont stop.
It doesn’t even have time to become history
Before it repeats itself
All of the lawmakers and pocket-liners
Slide on their sunglasses
And try to sneak out the exit wounds
In the back.
But the rest of the world sees you;
And the rest of the world will plant flowers
And mourn for the children.
While America loads another gun.
July 12, 2021
brillant, just brillant!
January 12, 2024
this poetry collection was beautifully written! it was wonderfully sapphic, and i really enjoyed my time with it. it didn't quite hit for me the way i wanted it to, but at no fault of the book itself.
August 28, 2023
2.5*
Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for providing me with this ARC.
Poetry is maybe one of the hardest works of literature to rate for me because it feels quite subjective so here are my thoughts on On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide.
The "objective" aspects language, structure, flow/rhythym and format are very solid. I would like to see a more polished use of words but that might just be because this is an ARC.
What I do wish was done better was the order and cohesiveness of the collection.
Some poems felt very out of place which made the collection feel messy. The first part is quite cohesive and follows one topic - love and home. But then it kind of lost me as poems started to address abuse, one random poem about gun violence and then the last part went back to the original topic of love and home.
The middle part about abuse should be in a separate collection and I don't even know where I would put the one about gun violence.
There are some true gems in there but the randomness of the collection as a whole made it difficult for me to love this work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for providing me with this ARC.
Poetry is maybe one of the hardest works of literature to rate for me because it feels quite subjective so here are my thoughts on On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide.
The "objective" aspects language, structure, flow/rhythym and format are very solid. I would like to see a more polished use of words but that might just be because this is an ARC.
What I do wish was done better was the order and cohesiveness of the collection.
Some poems felt very out of place which made the collection feel messy. The first part is quite cohesive and follows one topic - love and home. But then it kind of lost me as poems started to address abuse, one random poem about gun violence and then the last part went back to the original topic of love and home.
The middle part about abuse should be in a separate collection and I don't even know where I would put the one about gun violence.
There are some true gems in there but the randomness of the collection as a whole made it difficult for me to love this work.
July 10, 2023
In this poetry collection, Alannah Radburn writes about love, growth, comfort, fear, and abuse. With many nature similies and metaphors she opens a world in which being in love and being angry can exist alongside each other, where the cruelness of some people doesn't erase the gentleness of others and vice versa.
The way she writes about being in love and loving someone made me smile in recognition, but she's also capable of writing about anger about violence that's been done to you with the same depth and familiarity. I enjoyed this collection a lot, but maybe would have arranged the poems a bit differently, although this just comes down to personal taste. Would definitely gift this to a loved one!
The way she writes about being in love and loving someone made me smile in recognition, but she's also capable of writing about anger about violence that's been done to you with the same depth and familiarity. I enjoyed this collection a lot, but maybe would have arranged the poems a bit differently, although this just comes down to personal taste. Would definitely gift this to a loved one!
July 7, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for letting me read this book early!
This is a beautiful poetry collection, lots of gorgeous imagery, a lot of it to do with the ocean, which I loved.
I’ve bookmarked several poems in my digital copy, as there were so many relatable experiences shared, written in beautiful language.
“Don’t tell me words are not
The most powerful thing in this world;
They’ve doubtlessly completed the most beheadings.”
“There’s a certain beauty in unravelling;
You’re left with ample loose thread
To stitch new opportunities.”
“Nothing can harbour this sadness.
She is too big a ship.”
Releasing in just 4 days, I definitely recommend picking this book up!
This is a beautiful poetry collection, lots of gorgeous imagery, a lot of it to do with the ocean, which I loved.
I’ve bookmarked several poems in my digital copy, as there were so many relatable experiences shared, written in beautiful language.
“Don’t tell me words are not
The most powerful thing in this world;
They’ve doubtlessly completed the most beheadings.”
“There’s a certain beauty in unravelling;
You’re left with ample loose thread
To stitch new opportunities.”
“Nothing can harbour this sadness.
She is too big a ship.”
Releasing in just 4 days, I definitely recommend picking this book up!
July 5, 2023
I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm trying to get into poetry, and I can feel that there's something in it for me, but I hadn't been able to find a book that pulls me in quite enough. I think this book was a welcoming start to that path. While it didn't sweep me off my feet exactly, it's well crafted, the order of the poems makes sense, they're the right level of abstract, and I ended up highlighting many passages. I celebrate that we have a poetry collection written by a queer woman, with many poems being about being queer.
I'm trying to get into poetry, and I can feel that there's something in it for me, but I hadn't been able to find a book that pulls me in quite enough. I think this book was a welcoming start to that path. While it didn't sweep me off my feet exactly, it's well crafted, the order of the poems makes sense, they're the right level of abstract, and I ended up highlighting many passages. I celebrate that we have a poetry collection written by a queer woman, with many poems being about being queer.
July 4, 2023
The author of this poetry book reached out and asked if I would be willing to read and review this ahead of its release, and I obviously said yes.
I grew up writing poetry, so I always love to read others work. This collection, specifically, seemed to have so many pieces I felt connected to or knew others who would feel connected to. It truly felt like there was something here for everyone and I am so glad Alannah reached out because I wouldn't have heard of this otherwise. I really enjoyed this and think its a must read poetry book!
I grew up writing poetry, so I always love to read others work. This collection, specifically, seemed to have so many pieces I felt connected to or knew others who would feel connected to. It truly felt like there was something here for everyone and I am so glad Alannah reached out because I wouldn't have heard of this otherwise. I really enjoyed this and think its a must read poetry book!
June 26, 2023
i recieved an arc of this!
probably a personal preference but this didn't grab me - well-written enough, conceptually compelling enough, but i prefer my poems with a bit more bite and clarity. these felt a bit woozy and, occasionally, saccharine. especially for such a short collection, this could have used with a bit of tightening and punch. but! some of the poems are nice and the imagery is pretty.
probably a personal preference but this didn't grab me - well-written enough, conceptually compelling enough, but i prefer my poems with a bit more bite and clarity. these felt a bit woozy and, occasionally, saccharine. especially for such a short collection, this could have used with a bit of tightening and punch. but! some of the poems are nice and the imagery is pretty.
July 21, 2023
***I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review***
Alannah Radburn writes very beautifully and uses stunning imagery in her poetry collection, On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide. It is graceful, for her words flow magnificently like waves throughout the book. What is unique about her writing is that it creates this atmosphere which places you in these tender scenes, quite personal to her.
However, in the middle part, the writing and theme lost some junction and could’ve used a bit of editing. But it was succeeded by the glorious depictions of sapphic love, and it healed my sad, gay heart.
lap like a dying cat on its ninth life at a desert oasis.
for you, water is in abundance.
for you, oceans run wild.
Very lovely and exquisitely woven overall.
★ ★ ★/5
Happy pride <3
⊹ . ⋆ ☽ ⋆ . ➶
Alannah Radburn writes very beautifully and uses stunning imagery in her poetry collection, On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide. It is graceful, for her words flow magnificently like waves throughout the book. What is unique about her writing is that it creates this atmosphere which places you in these tender scenes, quite personal to her.
However, in the middle part, the writing and theme lost some junction and could’ve used a bit of editing. But it was succeeded by the glorious depictions of sapphic love, and it healed my sad, gay heart.
lap like a dying cat on its ninth life at a desert oasis.
for you, water is in abundance.
for you, oceans run wild.
Very lovely and exquisitely woven overall.
★ ★ ★/5
Happy pride <3
⊹ . ⋆ ☽ ⋆ . ➶
May 26, 2023
On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide is a collection of poetry that explores love and human connection through the lens of nature and the sea. Most of the poems are short, like fragments of thought, and I liked how concise they could be. The opening poems really focus on love, particularly queer love, and I found them the most engaging poems in the collection (I thought the whole collection was going to be on similar themes, but later poems bring in different things). The main thing I didn't get along with in this collection was the choice to have the final line of each poem separated and in italics, which could've worked for specific poems, but for every single one felt unnecessary and really wasn't to my taste. I also found the style of the poems very repetitive, which I'm sure other people will like if they enjoy the style, but I prefer more variation and experimentation in poetic style typically. I can see how many people who enjoy modern nature-inspired poetry that is short and relatable will enjoy this collection, but stylistically it wasn't really my thing.
May 4, 2023
This was a beautiful poetry book, about love, loss, feminism and vast nature of metaphors.
I really loved this collection, and would highly recommend reading it for everyone!
Thank you to @alannahradburn.poetry @netgalley and @centavepub for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
🪸 Publication Date: July 11, 2023 🪸
I really loved this collection, and would highly recommend reading it for everyone!
Thank you to @alannahradburn.poetry @netgalley and @centavepub for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
🪸 Publication Date: July 11, 2023 🪸
November 11, 2023
This is my first poetry collection by Alannah Radburn, and it’s a bit of a tricky one to rate. When I read anything, I’m looking for something that pulls me in and makes me feel something, and that’s absolutely true for poetry as well as prose works. This collection was clearly very personal to Radburn, and I can both admire and appreciate that, but unfortunately, it didn’t grab me as I’d hoped it would. Don’t get me wrong - there were definitely moments I enjoyed, and I can appreciate the crafting behind this collection, but my rating applies more to Radburn’s use of language and imagery than my enjoyment of it.
The imagery in this collection is very well done. In addition, I can recognize that Radburn put a lot into this collection, and its focus being primarily on relationships was interesting. Sadly, I didn’t find it very engaging overall. I can look at it objectively and see the skill and thought that went into it while also not really enjoying the reading of it. And that’s okay! I can definitely see how other readers may really enjoy this one; it just wasn’t able to pull me in emotionally.
Radburn also uses the last line of every poem (or maybe it’s meant to be the title?) in italics style choice that I’ve seen from other writers. I don’t hate this, but it’s not my favorite style choice, as it can come across a bit too earnest, but your mileage may vary. Radburn also only uses lowercase writing, which is not my preference, but that seems to be a stylistic choice for some poets.
All in all, this collection had some nice elements, and it felt sincere and personal. I do recommend it for fans of personal, imagery-focused poems that center on relationships and incorporate elements of nature.
The imagery in this collection is very well done. In addition, I can recognize that Radburn put a lot into this collection, and its focus being primarily on relationships was interesting. Sadly, I didn’t find it very engaging overall. I can look at it objectively and see the skill and thought that went into it while also not really enjoying the reading of it. And that’s okay! I can definitely see how other readers may really enjoy this one; it just wasn’t able to pull me in emotionally.
Radburn also uses the last line of every poem (or maybe it’s meant to be the title?) in italics style choice that I’ve seen from other writers. I don’t hate this, but it’s not my favorite style choice, as it can come across a bit too earnest, but your mileage may vary. Radburn also only uses lowercase writing, which is not my preference, but that seems to be a stylistic choice for some poets.
All in all, this collection had some nice elements, and it felt sincere and personal. I do recommend it for fans of personal, imagery-focused poems that center on relationships and incorporate elements of nature.
May 8, 2023
“I’m on a train, landscapes of my inner worlds sweeping by at great speed”
Alannah Radburn’s ‘On An Ebbing Seafoam Tide’ is a very introspective collection of poems that explores themes of love, passion, abuse and a haunting past.
This collection perfectly combines poetry and prose which makes for a very interesting and inspiring read. Radburn’s words are so artistic that you cannot help but feel completely absorbed by both her writing and the images it evokes in your mind’s eye.
Themes of LGBTQ+ are present and Radburn portrays how she can now write about herself, a girl, holding another girls hand without feeling shame. This is very poignant and demonstrates to readers the oppression this community faced throughout history, even for such a small action.
Her poems depict feelings we may all be familiar with, such as the thrill of taking a chance on love and how right and at home love can feel if you find it with the right person. I particularly like how she portrays that real love goes beyond passion and how it’s the mundane things you are witness to that end up feeling like the real treasures.
She also touches on themes of abuse and draws attention to the “your word against theirs” issue that victims of abuse face which can restrict them from speaking out. She also uses paper imagery to show how an experience like this can scar people to the point where it creates a new version of themselves.
Radburn’s imagery is captivating throughout and I highly recommend this read.
Release date: 11th July 2023
Alannah Radburn’s ‘On An Ebbing Seafoam Tide’ is a very introspective collection of poems that explores themes of love, passion, abuse and a haunting past.
This collection perfectly combines poetry and prose which makes for a very interesting and inspiring read. Radburn’s words are so artistic that you cannot help but feel completely absorbed by both her writing and the images it evokes in your mind’s eye.
Themes of LGBTQ+ are present and Radburn portrays how she can now write about herself, a girl, holding another girls hand without feeling shame. This is very poignant and demonstrates to readers the oppression this community faced throughout history, even for such a small action.
Her poems depict feelings we may all be familiar with, such as the thrill of taking a chance on love and how right and at home love can feel if you find it with the right person. I particularly like how she portrays that real love goes beyond passion and how it’s the mundane things you are witness to that end up feeling like the real treasures.
She also touches on themes of abuse and draws attention to the “your word against theirs” issue that victims of abuse face which can restrict them from speaking out. She also uses paper imagery to show how an experience like this can scar people to the point where it creates a new version of themselves.
Radburn’s imagery is captivating throughout and I highly recommend this read.
Release date: 11th July 2023
July 22, 2023
“I once found myself lost at Sea,/ but what I discovered out there was as reassuring, as a city, loan, jackpine, centered on a glittering Canadian landscape: life’s oceans are full of strong, ebbing, seafoam tides; and they will always pull me home.” (Radburn, 126)
“On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide” feels as though one has wandered from the seas shore. Salt sprays in your eyes as the world you’ve always known to look for but have never had to feel engulfs. You are trapped im the waves of betrayal, of love, of searching for the end where you can open you eyes and find yourself at the shore.
The poetry collection walks you through this experience, having to experience life and love, regret and finding peace, being pulled through the waves. For one day, surely, you will be pulled from the waves, and what you will find is a peace immeasurable, something that only comes when one has faced the storms.
One sparkling structure within the collection is how the poetry seems to grow as the timeline advance, as we near the end. The poems from the beginning present themselves as hesitant, young, holding language but not knowing yet how it interacts with the world. The poems at the end, though, become fluid, sure, gorgeously crafted like waves sparkling as they hit the shore. They are able to capture the epitome of hope, leaving readers to know that while the tempests of storms arise, and pull you under, you will always find a place to call home.
It was beyond a pleasure to read this collection of poems, and I look forward to Radburn’s future work.
“On an Ebbing Seafoam Tide” feels as though one has wandered from the seas shore. Salt sprays in your eyes as the world you’ve always known to look for but have never had to feel engulfs. You are trapped im the waves of betrayal, of love, of searching for the end where you can open you eyes and find yourself at the shore.
The poetry collection walks you through this experience, having to experience life and love, regret and finding peace, being pulled through the waves. For one day, surely, you will be pulled from the waves, and what you will find is a peace immeasurable, something that only comes when one has faced the storms.
One sparkling structure within the collection is how the poetry seems to grow as the timeline advance, as we near the end. The poems from the beginning present themselves as hesitant, young, holding language but not knowing yet how it interacts with the world. The poems at the end, though, become fluid, sure, gorgeously crafted like waves sparkling as they hit the shore. They are able to capture the epitome of hope, leaving readers to know that while the tempests of storms arise, and pull you under, you will always find a place to call home.
It was beyond a pleasure to read this collection of poems, and I look forward to Radburn’s future work.
July 28, 2023
this book felt like something out of a dream, with evocative language, ethereal imagery, and incredibly raw and genuine expressions of emotions.
though I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I do wish it had been a bit longer and perhaps better organized. instead of being broken up, it is essentially three longer sections that twist and turn as they move through different topics. in a way, this was enjoyable and unique, however, it could also be difficult to follow, as topics changed without much warning or transition.
that being said, the professions of love in this book are so moving and beautiful, it’s hard not to envy the recipient. figurative language is stunning, evoking images of oceanic masterpieces and sun-kissed sea waves. the blend of nature, humanity, and dreamy metaphors is unforgettable and a delight to read. highly recommend.
(I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
though I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I do wish it had been a bit longer and perhaps better organized. instead of being broken up, it is essentially three longer sections that twist and turn as they move through different topics. in a way, this was enjoyable and unique, however, it could also be difficult to follow, as topics changed without much warning or transition.
that being said, the professions of love in this book are so moving and beautiful, it’s hard not to envy the recipient. figurative language is stunning, evoking images of oceanic masterpieces and sun-kissed sea waves. the blend of nature, humanity, and dreamy metaphors is unforgettable and a delight to read. highly recommend.
(I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
July 28, 2023
'when was the last time you gifted yourself freedom? have you ever adorned yourself in opportunity?'
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
This collection is filled with stunning poetry and shocking messages. I found that the messages of patriarchy sank in much greater in poetry form, especially since as the poet writes,
'the truth is much less frightening in a poem.'
But while less frightening, it is more powerful, the images and realisations are more open and set in stone.
This poetry collection was nothing more than beautiful. I am so grateful to have read it!
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
This collection is filled with stunning poetry and shocking messages. I found that the messages of patriarchy sank in much greater in poetry form, especially since as the poet writes,
'the truth is much less frightening in a poem.'
But while less frightening, it is more powerful, the images and realisations are more open and set in stone.
This poetry collection was nothing more than beautiful. I am so grateful to have read it!
July 23, 2024
Poetry collections are difficult to review. I liked the overall ebb and flow of the book, as expected from its title, but none of the poems sat with me beyond the moment I read them. If I were to re-read it, I'm sure I would remember more details about what I found beautiful in its rhythms and its imagery, but again, as none of them really come to mind, I have to say that overall it wasn't for me.
May 23, 2023
This was a pretty nice collection of poems. I didn't love the style/length of the poems but that's a personal preference and they were emotional and well-written. It is a pretty quick read and easy to get through.
August 25, 2023
I'm unsure what the author was going for with the juxtaposition of the two halves or so of this book, honestly. Both halves are solid, well flowing poetry; but the one half is focused on a queer love story and the other half is a reckoning with abuse the author dealt with. Not saying that this wasn't valid for the author to tackle; just that maybe there should've been a bit more thought as to releasing these as two separate books, or if they really fit together as a collection.
November 1, 2023
It took a little while to get used to the style, specifically the last line always being in italics. It would get an ironic slant in my mind or a wink and a nudge. But after I adjusted I thoroughly enjoyed the poems, even took pictures and sent a few to friends. I think this has wide appeal. lol
March 28, 2021
One of the most amazing pieces of poetry I have ever read.
December 19, 2021
It was great. Some fabulous passages and lines in the book
August 16, 2023
Emotive and well-written
September 2, 2024
An amazing read!
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