Review of Paul Barnard's poem, "Didn't Expect This" August 3, 2024 " DIDN'T EXPECT THIS" I know...your bones mean well
chartering undertones...that don't sell well But, it's characterizing your hype
as most stressingly, unwell. Shouldering that extracting, what lays piping
your organical mind Births as panicky amusements distracting
a serious rhyme whilst wasting tickings precisely picking up your kickings, lagging chimes Whereby, alike every stowaway's share humping along a friendship line your wear of unconscious cares don't see baffled seas saddling grapplings rippling wrangles sapping our graphic dams Awhile your flooded causings, watering attributes, pausing our pans convincingly dampened to own what lies in argumentative storms of which whether your fronts will weather Atchoo...oh you handed me a cold Look, pal for your character to truly climatically sell I think I gotta paddle back home and re-float your bib that braces your attitudes tone Grr...darn modus operandi humans © PAUL BARNARD South Africa Editor's Review:

The poet delves into the intricate realm of human emotions and the internal struggles that accompany them, employing vivid imagery and poignant tones depicting complexities of character and the burdens of emotional turmoil. Paul's poem is structured as a series of thought-provoking verses, delving deeper into a landscape of emotion, evocative language such as "chartering undertones", "shouldering extraction" and "rippling wrangles", adds even more depth to the emotional poetic narrative. The poem explores conflict between one's outward persona and inner struggles, portraying a sense of emotional discord as well as touching on the nuances of interpersonal relationships and the unconscious burdens individuals carry with friendship. "Didn't Expect This" delves into emotions, like stress, panic and confusion, effectively conveying the weight of feelings through metaphorical language. "DIDN'T EXPECT THIS" is quite the intense exploration of human emotion, characterized by rich language and depth along with portrayal of internal struggles and interpersonal dynamics and the compelling reflection on the complexities of human character and emotional resilience.

Annette Nasser
EIC
ILA Magazine
USA