Review: Poetry: A Matter of Opinion
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2010
Veronica Camille Tinto, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago but now living in Texas,  has published her first book A JOURNEY INTO TOMORROW and informs the reader in a very tender way that 'Writing these poems began as a therapeutic process which turned into words that supported me during a very tumultuous period in my life.'  Books such as this, presented with a beautiful cover of a sunset over water, plead credence, and while the thoughts on the pages of this collection are touching, if somewhat nave, they are truly short meditations and not poems.  The term 'poem' is defined as '1) A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas, or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way, characterized by the use of language chosen for its sound and suggestive power and by the use of literary techniques such as meter, metaphor, and rhyme. 2) A composition in verse rather than in prose. And 3) A literary composition written with an intensity or beauty of language more characteristic of poetry than of prose.'  Tinto's writing is simply outside these guidelines.An example of Tinto's work follows:READY FOR THE CALLAre we ready for the call?Do we have all out emotional business in order?Do we tell people that mean the most how we feel?Do we say love...show love...and mean love?Then can we truly say hear [sic] I am...it is I...and I am readyfor the callThere is honesty of emotion here and a sharing of life experiences that this diary marks as a woman overcomes the struggles she encounters as well as the discoveries of joy she finds.  And doubtless there will be readers who connect with her brief messages. But even given the broad parameters of how poetry is written today, Tinto's words do not fall into the realm of poetry.  And that is fine.  Is the book worth reading? Yes, any source of solace that is available to people who need to connect with fellow travelers is worthy of publication.  Grady Harp, July 10