Review of “Words Left Unspoken” by J.A. McGovern

Score: 92/100 (9.2 out of 10)

Words Left Unspoken is a spirited poetry collection by J.A. McGovern, a previous Outstanding Creator Awards winner for Perception, another poetry collection.

However, while Perception was a highly-involved, collaborative effort by numerous poets as part of the Different Leaves, Same Root poetry group, Words Left Unspoken is a collection of poems exclusively from the author himself.

With that said, what's fascinating is that—despite being written by one person this time around—these poems take up a polyphonic tone and approach.

In other words, each of these poems has its own unique voice and perspective, almost as if they are written by different people. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment by the author/poet.

One of the great skills that the best writers learn is how to convey different voices and different perspectives in a piece of writing. Especially in fiction, one of the worst things in many books is when every character and every person sounds exactly the same. They all end up sounding like the author.

Well, that's not a problem in this book.

Words Left Unspoken explores deeply personal and often poignant themes, offering reflections on love, spirituality, societal struggle, and existential questioning. Divided into sections that journey through "lost moments between thoughts" and transitions to memories, the collection employs evocative language and a reflective tone that pulls readers into moments of beauty, melancholy, and resilience. The poems touch on complex emotional landscapes, with imagery rooted in both urban and natural settings, blending moments of stillness with intense introspection.

Regarding love and resilience... in the poem “Blooming Love” the poet expresses a delicate yet enduring love amidst darkness, metaphorically offering "a desert rose / for a love so rare to Blossom," which reflects resilience through tenderness.

“American Tragedy” concerns societal struggles and identity. It paints a somber picture of societal expectations crushing youthful dreams and spirit. It mourns those who “fall down to the bottom of a false apprehension” and settle for mediocrity, conveying the weight of social pressure and lost aspirations.

The poem “I’ve Dreamt of Heaven” wrestles with existential questions and divine purpose, contemplating suffering, free will, and the nature of God’s love. The speaker questions their own faith amid “the Garden of Eden... test to his children” and the complexities of human existence. It tackles themes like spirituality and existential reflection.

“Brought to Light” captures the gritty, vibrant life of the city with descriptions of “city halls,” corruption, and personal growth amidst a fast-paced urban backdrop. This poem invites readers to envision a collective journey through struggle toward enlightenment. It creates an interesting contrast while contrasting urban and natural imagery.

The language in this collection is vivid, with McGovern's writing displaying a unique rhythm that resonates with a sense of place and time. The poems invite readers to explore universal emotions, from the intimate connections of love and loss to broader societal critiques, making this collection accessible yet thought-provoking. This collection would appeal to readers who appreciate poetry that delves into the heart of human experience and uncovers meaning within silence and solitude.

Some of our favorite passages include:

“The crevices of mind
Truth –
And there you find many, resting,
Among dark pits & tall grass”

We loved the contrast between the dark depths of a low place (like pits) to the high point of tall grass, evoking the idea of how hope exists even in the worst scenarios.

“Are you truly placing palms over my hands when I make imprints in the sand?”

Note how the same “ah” sound is used in “hands” and “sand.”

“The river transported me to all levels of hell – each
sentence equivalently proposed by Dante’s fateful
dream... Rowing to the final stop – a frozen tundra clear as blue
crystal laid before me parting from the lustful fires I
traveled from – a frozen door”

Note the contrast between extreme heat and cold and the ironic reference to Dante's vision as a “dream” not a nightmare.

The phrase “I have bills to pay” is repeated numerous times in “To the Daily Lives” which creates a sort of rhythmic beat and emphasis via anaphora. It also needs to be noted how relatable this phrase is. How many of us do things we don't like doing or don't want to do because we have bills to pay?

“...seek compassionate light from mother moon”

In that passage, the moon is personified as a “mother” who is capable of being compassionate and apparently can render comfort. Also, note the alliteration in “mother moon.”

“...bring home bread and honey"

That passage highlights the sharp disparity between those with power and resources and the disenfranchised.

“Love will protect you while you wait, for us to join you at heaven’s gate”

This passage comes from “Tears of Heaven,” the most emotionally-charged poem in the book as it is written in loving memory of John Michael Alexandersen. Note the pairing of the “A” sound in “wait” and “gate.”

“...the obscenity of actuality / Holds the veracity of normality”

This line comes from “Freedom Writers,” arguably the best poem in the book. It seems to be the most sophisticated. Anyway, this passage reflects McGovern’s critical tone on confronting uncomfortable truths. Here, the poet explores the sometimes absurd and raw nature of reality, particularly in societal norms and constraints that obscure individuality and self-expression. This passage aligns with McGovern's broader themes, urging readers to question societal constructs and embrace a more liberated, authentic existence.

Speaking of uncomfortable truths, there are some uncomfortable poems and passages in this book. We were shocked and surprised by the amount of graphic sexual details in certain poems like “House of a Shattered Heart.” Take this passage for example (TRIGGER WARNING):

“The hunger of a sex fiend air mixed with mist of whiskey
breath – treacherous anal sex
Stalks the dwindling caves inside at all hours
Screams: Ambition, Enjoyment, Instincts, Death
And blood mixed in my vial filled with semen remains
compacted deep inside.
On a blessed day, my fruits are not invaded and torn by
disgrace
Every grizzly session I lie soaking in tears, on a sweat
drained pillow, sulking in agony
Anxious screaming directed at me, I squeal, like a
hamster confined by its wheel”

There are actually great things about this otherwise-disturbing passage.
It's very visceral. And there's a lot of “liquid” imagery in here with descriptions of blood, sweat, tears, and semen—even blood mixed IN semen!

“I phase consciousness, holding my St. Zachary medallion
dreaming of a better life - peace
But in my mind I know it won’t
My heart is shattering to tiny pieces every day.”

Note the pairing of two homophones in “peace” and “piece.”

The poem “Diary Entry to a 17 year old suicide case” stood out to us because it seems to be a sort of poetic prose. In other words, it tells a full story in the form of poetry. It's actually quite long! However, it's nonetheless compelling. This poem gives us the perspective of someone who is relentlessly bullied and unhappy at school, so much so that they intentionally miss the school bus. They feel that the only “friend” they can talk to is their teacher. How sad is that?

This is a solid collection of poems.

Check it out on Amazon!