Above The Veil is a new collection of poetry by Henry White II, focusing on a spiritual and reflective set of themes. The book is an insightful and fascinating discussion of mental health written across several years with each poem exploring an event in the poet’s life and the feelings associated with that event. The poet, Henry White II, demonstrates not just a high level of technical understanding as they shift between different forms and styles in order to best suit their subject, but also a keen eye for imagery and forming links in the reader’s mind between the artistic imagery conjured up and the associated feelings being discussed.

Henry White II is one of those wonderful poets who are willing to expose themselves and their hurt in order to pull artistic beauty out of the hurt in their own lives. Whether that hurt is a direct wound to the soul such as grief or depression, or from more nebulous and harder to articulate sources such as dissatisfaction with the world around us or that creeping concern that true love may be beyond our reach; the poet is willing to lay it all out as the raw materials they use to craft the sublime experience that is reading Above the Veil. I hope that people who read this work and struggle with their own negative feelings about life are able to see a kindred spirit who has been through what they have but also come out the other side stronger for it.

Henry White II knows emotional pain. He also knows how to write poetry. He brings these two together in his book, Above the Veil. What human has not felt rejection? Henry’s poignant poems share his emotions concerning love. Obviously, Henry has loved and loved deeply. Not only has he loved, but he has also lost love. Rejection runs throughout his poetry. Henry has lived a life of sadness. Reading this book takes one back to any rejection they have felt. Often, reliving the pain can be healing. Letting the pain out can open the heart for healing and restoration. Henry may have loved and lost, but ultimately, he never gives up. The one redeeming hope seen in this book is when Henry brings God into the subject. God can help us overcome our depression but often uses professionals to help.

Henry White II is no stranger to the mental anguish called depression. His style of writing is melancholy. Henry’s poems are full of pathos and pain. It seems as if he is looking for love in all the wrong places and shares his defeats and frustrations. Toward the end of the book, Henry shares Jesus Christ with his readers, and his mood elevates. We may be disappointed in the loyalty of a partner or the faithfulness of a friend, but Henry shows us Christ who sticks closer than a brother. Above the Veil reminds me of a personal journal written with a poetic flair. Read this book and closely identify with the sadness in the poems. In that case, you might want to consider seeking the help of a professional counselor.