Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Lulu Press (2008)
ISBN 9781435712423
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (05/08)


I thoroughly enjoyed “Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man” from start to end.  I was a little surprised at my reaction to this book, because while I enjoy poems, I am usually not as enthusiastic about books of poetry as I was about this compilation.   The third collection by this author is definitely one not to miss reading.  Harry Gilleland is a very talented writer and I hope that he does not stop entertaining us with his musings for a very long time. 

The collection of poems includes stories about every aspect of life.  Some of the poems left me with tears in my eyes, while others had me laughing about life’s lighter side.  One of the poems titled “Unworthy” is a love letter to the author’s wife, Linda.  Most people live their whole lives waiting for someone to feel that way about them.  There are heartfelt stories about beloved pets, as well as other stories about animals, including an amazing one about a wolf pup.   Gilleland spends some time on our political situation as well as the past and present conflicts.  He describes the “Spirit of America” and pays tribute to past and present war heroes. 

Gilleland touches on the subject of death from the perspective of the person who is dying and the bereaved in several of the poems.  “A Soldier’s Death” really brings home what is happening on the battlefield and what the last thoughts of the soldier might be.  In “My Angel on Earth” he writes about a man who is with his wife of sixty years as she is passing away.  In both of these poems and many others, the author captures the moment beautifully. 

I applaud Gilleland on creating such a well written, thought provoking book.  It is one that I will definitely read again.  I highly recommend “Poetic Musing of an Old, Fat Man” to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable book to read this summer or for someone who is looking for a gift to buy for that person who has everything. 

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