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Poetry - Spirituality
Title: Messages to Me: Words Collected on the Road to Silence
Author: Margaret (Meg) Coyle Irsay
Rating: Very Good!
Publisher: One Body Books
Web Page: www.onebodyinc.com
Reviewed by: Les Chappell | View Bio

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  • Margaret Coyle's book "Messages to Me: Words Collected on the Road to Silence" feels like the written equivalent of performance art. The book, a mixture of poetry, prose and photographs, depicts a body and soul constantly in motion and emphasizes a continuous message of reaching out. Its message falters in some places - chiefly from the static nature of print - but it is still a calming read.

    The first half of the book consists of Coyle's poetry, which focuses heavily on the themes of hope and assurance. Her poetry is quite forceful, focused on her appreciation for what life has provided for her and a desire to share it with others. The poems do not adhere to any set form or rhyme scheme and are not particularly inventive with word choice, but several of them - particularly shorter themed ones such as "Small Fires" or "The Leaf" - move past the state of affirmation and form charming metaphors.

    These poems are paired with images of Coyle's dancing, leaping into various pages with a flowing white skirt. Images can seem a bit out of place (a poem "Eyes of Wonder" is matched with a photo of Coyle, her eyes obscured by long hair) but all of them are clearly meant to evoke a sense of freedom and exploration that matches the tone of the poems. Unfortunately, the lack of motion in photographs means the major feelings are lost.

    Coyle changes outfits and styles in the second half of the book, slipping into black dance clothing and engaging in a series of stretches to accompany selections of prose. These paragraphs have a very psalm-like feeling to them, revolving around her devotion to God/All and affirming a commitment to seeking the truth.

    The paragraphs are fairly standard in their writing quality but in many ways are more engaging than the earlier poems. Coyle, a teacher of movement and expression, falls into the role of instructor and speaks about how she uses relaxation and mental exercise as a technique for coming to a personal understanding. Sections such as "Quiet" and "Practice" carry a self-help message, written for our benefit and hers in equal measure.

    "Messages to Me" is, like most performance art, a personal and extensive piece of work which may not find an audience amongst the general population - in this case, especially if they are not people of faith. To its target audience, however, it will likely strike home with its message of self-discovery.








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