Moments: This to the Next

Poetry - Now and Eternity

Poetry - Inspirational
104 Pages
Reviewed on 04/25/2019
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Inspired by nature and the beauty around him the multi-award winning poet Gary W. Burns started writing poetry at a young age. Early on Gary was able to express his thoughts, ideas and emotions through the vivid imagery of his verse. His poetry has been published in various literary arts journals, anthologies and magazines. He is the author of 10 books of poetry. Through his poems Gary shares his reflections on the many facets of life and on the beauty of nature. The expressiveness of his poetry has been enriched by his wide reading in philosophy and psychology. He has traveled throughout the world and has lived in numerous countries, to include, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada. He has also lived in Hawaii and several other states. Currently, Gary makes his home in Northern Virginia near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Moments: This to the Next: Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns is a poetry collection composed around the concept of time against the backdrop of nature. In Moments, Gary has brought together the various elements of time such as the past, present, future, eternity, now, and brought out the essence of it which is the present moment. The poems are grouped under various headings related to time such as A Point called Time, Moments to Hours, Clocks and Faces, Time – And You and Me, and each of these contain several short poems. The poems are usually a page long and some are just a sentence or two but still pack a punch and often contain a wealth of meaning in just a few words. There is also a short author bio at the end of the book with a list of his other poetry books.

I loved reading Moments: This to the Next: Poetry - Now and Eternity and re-read portions of it twice. This is a short book and, at first glance, it seemed as if the poems might be too short or simplistic. But this is not the case at all and sometimes the ones with just a few verses are the best ones! There is a beautiful harmony and serenity in these poems and I loved how they intertwine time and nature into one. Some of my favorite poems are Landscapes, Be Still, Midnight Bright, At One With, and The Bridge Called Journey although it’s hard to pick just a few! There is a distinct strain of metaphysics and philosophy throughout this book which I loved as well. Gary has a definite talent for poetry and his composition is soothing, with a great rhythm and technique. This is a must-read poetry book and I hope to read Gary’s other poetry books after this.

Edith Wairimu

Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns is a delightful collection that places love poems together with pieces that evoke feelings of serenity. The poems are brief, each comprising a few lines, and sometimes a few words. The collection creates a backdrop of tranquility as it presents various natural settings. In the poem “The Hard Rains,” the following lines conclude a setting that depicts heavy rain: “But, as I Moved along, Time went by, And slowly, The sun came out, Brightening the day, And lighting the Way.” The love poems paint the image of the beautiful relationship between two characters such as in the poem “A Calling,” where the poet states: “Love, Called my name; I answered. And, Here we are.”

The collection uses a few words that create powerful imagery of peaceful backdrops. The brief phrases ensure that more focus is placed on the settings instead of the details. The combination of love poems with nature poetry provides a wonderful and more diverse blend unlike if the collection was centered on just one particular genre. Each poem is clearly titled and allocated its own page which makes reading seamless. End rhymes are used in the collection to create a rhythm which makes the collection easy to read aloud. The dominant theme of tranquility is well covered through various poems such as “No Moments Captured,” and “Harmony.” “Balance,” a poem on well being and similar poems are also incorporated. Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns is a wonderful collection that provides a peaceful escape in a dynamic world.

Kathryn Bennett

In a day and age where everyone is always connected to devices, it can be easy to lose track of balance and well-being. We tend to lose our sense of harmony and calm as we continue moving at the never-ending pace of the 24/7 news cycle. Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns asks you to slow down, find a center of calm, and enjoy the themes that can be found within its pages. This is a book filled with poetry that has a purpose. That purpose is to help the reader foster well-being within themselves through peacefulness, reflection, and balance.

To me, good poetry always has something to say to the reader. That doesn’t mean every reader will take the same thing away from a poem, but simply that there is something to be found in it. Poet Gary W. Burns has created a volume of poetry that does just that. This book sets out to truly help guide the reader through its themes of peace and balance, and it delivers on that promise. I found this volume delivered so well that I had to take a day to myself to truly reflect on each poem and reread a few before sitting down to write this review.

If you are having a tough time right now, going through something more stressful than usual, or simply feeling burned out, you really need to sit down and read this book of poems. While the poetry inside cannot fix whatever might be ailing you, it can give you time away from that ailment. A time to sit in peace and calm and try to balance yourself again. Once you have found that balance you will feel better about walking back into the battle of everyday life. This book of poems is listed as inspirational, and it truly does deliver on that inspiration. Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity is a must-read from this humble reader.

K.C. Finn

Moments: This to the Next is a collection of poetry penned by Gary W. Burns which explores the concept of ‘Now and Eternity’ through its inspirational verses. Designed to deliver readers to a meditative and mindful state, this collection of verses focuses strongly on themes such calm, wholeness, wellness, and the idea of harmony between the place we are at now and the concept of time in general. Split into several sections which form a kind of narrative around the idea of time, clocks and moments, more than fifty poems rise to help readers consider their place in the timeline, how to be in harmony and take each day as it comes.

As a tool for meditation, contemplation and healing, the work of Gary W. Burns is valuable and meaningful. I really enjoyed the verses included in this new volume of work as much as others I have previously read. There was something special about the pacing of the words which really forces you to slow down time whilst reading and absorb them carefully, along with their meanings. I particularly liked the section on Clocks and Faces, which drew new perspectives from inanimate objects and their connection to us as people and the timeline of eternity. Some of those verses are sure to stay with me the next time I find myself listening to the tick-tock of a nearby clock or watch, and that makes for powerful, inspiring poetic work. Overall, Moments: This to the Next is a superb poetic read for those seeking a moment of mindful peace.

Mamta Madhavan

Moments: This to the Next: Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W.Burns is a beautiful collection of short poems that will make readers contemplate moments in life from now until eternity. All the poems have a Zen-like effect and they are peaceful. The minimalist usage of words to convey diverse emotions and feelings is effective and profound, and will make readers question their own wellness and harmony. The poems capture the poet's love and appreciation of the beauty of nature, and his perception of them and life. The poems are peaceful and there is a thread of gentleness and harmony that runs though the collection.

I enjoyed reading the poems; they are well expressed and the wordplay is excellent. All poetry lovers will find this book appealing. The collection is divided into four sections: A Point Called Time, Moments To Hours, Clocks and Faces, and Time - And You And Me. They all strike a chord within readers. 'Landscape' reflects the shades of life that everyone goes through and 'The Pair' is a metaphorical representation of a relationship. The poems on love are beautifully expressed and there is a sense of calmness in them that speaks of deep love. I like the way the poet handles every poem in the book; they are just simple reflections of life, and I like the way he knits them together with nature and his surroundings. It is not always easy to convey a lot of emotions and feelings using a few words but in this book the poet does just that.

Lesley Jones

Moments: This to the Next by Gary W. Burns is a beautiful compilation of poetry that covers the theme of time from past, present, and future in relation to the wonders of nature, interspersed with black and white illustrations. Many of the poems are quite substantial while others are just a few lines, but each one will inspire deep reflection. Throughout the book, you will be persuaded to look deep into your heart and explore the unending possibilities that life can manifest. The wonders of nature and the importance of love and friendship are just some of the subjects covered but with each soothing poem, your mood will certainly be uplifted.

I love poetry that evokes my emotions and this collection certainly did that in huge proportions. Even the shorter poems had a great impact on me which took me on a wonderful journey of contemplation. Gary's poetry is simple but beautiful and captures the importance of living a full and abundant life perfectly. I am wondering if Gary has a background in psychology because he certainly understands human behavior and their thought processes. There are so many touching poems to choose from but the message behind Song Bird, No Moments Captured and Over the River Time were truly thought-provoking. I loved also the deliciously descriptive Aria and Be Still. But most of all, I related to the message in The Bridge Called Journey; just a few lines but so powerful. Also 'Walking. The sidewalk. Hope.' A truly remarkable poetry book and highly recommended.

Renee Guill

Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns is a book of free verse poems about time, more specifically now and eternity. He uses rhythm and rhymes to describe Time. Using nature as his backdrop to show and explain now and eternity, Gary W. Burns finds a serene way to help us contemplate and relax while thinking about Time. It is a quick and peaceful book that can be finished in an evening.

I was excited to see Moments: This to the Next, Poetry - Now and Eternity by Gary W. Burns available for review. I have read some of his previous works and really enjoy his style. I love how descriptive he is and how he uses nature to explain time. I loved the rhythm. The poems are so relaxing and this made the collection a quick read. I was disappointed when it was done. I wanted to read more. Gary W. Burns does a wonderful job painting a picture with words - you can see the birds and the stars quite clearly. The use of nature was an intriguing way to explain time. You don’t need to read them in order but I would recommend reading his other collections too. I think this one is my favorite collection. It’s a great way to relax and it makes you ponder about life. I hope Gary W. Burns keeps writing more of these poems. Thanks to him I am now hooked on poetry.

Ray Simmons

Before I review a book of poetry, I like to let the reader know that I am not a poet. I feel I can appreciate some of it and I enjoy a lot of it. I like to think that I have the spirit of a poet somewhere deep inside me. I think I may have more of the Japanese sense of the warrior/poet tradition than of the beatnik modern style that many people are thinking of when they use the term. Having said that, I loved and appreciated Moments: This to the Next by Gary W. Burns. It met my main criteria for good poetry and for most other things I read. It moved me. It made me think about this life and how I move through it. It made me think of time, the most precious commodity in the universe. I wondered if I am wasting it. I wondered if I can really ever appreciate it like it should be experienced and appreciated.

I appreciated the cover of Moments: This to the Next. I am from Mobile, Alabama and I have seen this vista. I didn't appreciate it enough to put it on the cover of a book but appreciate that someone did. Time is the theme that I got as I read this book of poetry. It just so happens that I think about time now more than at any other period in my life. I feel that I am running out of time and I feel I've had some good times and I want to appreciate that. So, poems like The Hard Rains, Dearest Song Bird, and The Loving Heart resonated with something powerful and melancholy that resides in me.