That Which Lives Within is a full-length poetry collection by first time author eLPY that it is beautifully written. The 189 page collection features not only poetry, but also poepics, and poetry-infused pictures.
Throughout, the author’s myriad of experiences and emotions are displayed in every poem. The topics of death and loss are touched upon in the poems such as Beyond the Grave, and the poem Left With Memories which is dedicated to her brother who passed away. There are poems about life and love which are just as raw and filled with emotion.
The author’s hopes and dreams as well as fears, frustrations, and self-doubt are also poetically expressed. In the poem “Here’s To My Blossom” at the beginning of the book, eLPY questions her ability to share her writing with others and as the book progresses she grows ever more confident. She also expresses her journey of finding herself, being confident in who she is. It’s a journey of growth that includes joy and despair.
The poepics and infused pictures of poetry are beautiful visuals. It was a little hard to read the font on a few of the pictures because of the color scheme. I thought it was a cool and unique idea to have mixed media and variations of writing within this book. In poems such as “History Rewritten” and “Hypocrisy”, eLPY offers social commentary in her poems on issues such as the genocide in Dafur, the Jena 6, slavery, the exotic pet trade and the slaughter of dolphins in Japan.
The book tells the story of metamorphosis. It’s about going on a journey and growing and not running away from the storms of life. It’s learning from the past and looking forward to what the future will bring. Everyone can relate and can take something valuable and essential from this collection.
