POETIC PROSE SERIES
"Voyeurism Poetry" is a journey of reflective identity. These anecdotal short stories are about life’s daily demands, pressures and emotions.They chronicle lives altered by choices and decisions. Each selection is a complete story presented in varing lengths, tones and viewpoints. Each piece invites introspection through brief and concise content, yet themes are well known by the reader's own life experiences. These stories are purposed in a process of "Looking Out - Seeing In" revealing aspects of life events we all share or experience at one time or another.
Quotes from Reviewers:
"If you want to read about symbolism, read your grandmother's dusty prose.
If you want to read authors who write "all about me", read your mother's magazines.
If you want to read about issues and emotions often experienced but not always voiced, read Branch Isole."
"If you want something different to read. If you want contemporary short stories with twists, turns and sudden impacts, read the voyeuristic poet."
"If you're ready for stories that expose emotional complexities of postmodern life, you're ready for Voyeurism Poetry."
Should you read my books and eBooks? Yes.
Should you buy my books and eBooks? Perhaps.
If you want growth, instead of struggle! Definitely.
Branch Isole paperbacks and eBooks are also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Diesel, Ingram, others.
Read free previews by using Amazon's 'Kindle Edition' links. FREE SHIPPING on products purchased from this web site.
5x8 Paperback 126 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-26 PAPERBACK
FREE SHIPPING
Kindle Edition $4.95
“Only poetry has the capacity to create with each line, a new fate.”
In the Hawaiian culture, geckos are bearers of good luck. If you have ever visited Hawaii, you may have heard a gecko bark. This is the distinctive sound geckos make at night when they want to get your attention. Not knowing where this audible noise comes from the first time you encounter it, can be startling. You glance around the room or lanai (patio) and soon realize that the only thing there, other than you, is a three-inch lizard on the wall or ceiling, waiting patiently to tell you a story.
These small reptilians are the descendants of thousands of years of evolution. Keep your eyes on this amazing creature and you will see a world of struggle, beauty and survival unfold. They have much to reveal about life and the process of existence.
So the next time you are in Hawaii, relax and listen...perhaps the barking geckos are about to share with you, one of their stories.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“This book is attractive both inside and out. I enjoyed the way the poet used a good sense approach in the poems, employing a colloquial style and a simple direct address. In a poem like "Cafe Queen" the poet creates a set of characters within the intimate, known-world of the coffee shop. Upon setting the scene and populating it, the poet includes some nice, specific sensory details. I admire, in poems such as this one, the poet's ability to select certain concrete images and use them to make the poem richer. “Overall, a strong voice here.”
Kindle Edition $4.95
“Every artist's motivation; Immortality”
In sleep we dream, when awake we scheme, for mankind’s thoughts never rest. By design we are what we think, becoming that which we believe to be true. As within all the animal kingdom our fundamental response is survival. Intrinsically we grasp and gasp for a small place in this vast universe.
Of all God’s creatures, it is we who are most interdependent upon each other, for we cannot live alone. The assortment of items which bring us together are many but none may be more powerful than the written word for it is the recording of mankind’s legacy. It is in words penned for posterity that the length and breadth of who we are, have been or may become is evident and accessible.
The genres are many but the examples are few. Raw and base are our foundation, but it is in our layers of experience and identity whereby we grow and mature. Our activities of longevity are encumbered only when we ignore the wealth and depth offered up by writers who have littered our pathways with gems and pearls.
Reader Review:
“The style of the poetry is short lines with quick, witty rhymes in some cases. The subjects of the poems make it definitely worth a read, since these subjects are prevalent in most of our daily lives. Anyone that loves to read real-life poetry will want to read this collection.”
Terri D.
Lebanon, IN
5x8 Paperback 130 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09826585-12 PAPERBACK
FREE SHIPPING
Kindle Edition$4.95
“Poetry only appears to be elitist, its appeal is to every man.”
Writing and publishing has always been a difficult process and endeavor, and rightly so.
Today, technological advancements have opened pathways of publishing to and for a world wide audience. This has also brought out of the shadows untold numbers of writers. Some writers become authors, a relative few become published and a handful may become recognized. In this way, publishing really hasn’t changed at all. Although technology has redefined the industry, good story telling and readership acceptance still determines each individual author’s success.
If you are entertained or edified by the stories and poems herein you are invited to discover more, once this unknown poet’s parade has passed by.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“This collection gives evidence of a range of tones and techniques. Indeed it is an "eclectic blend" of different voices, styles, and moods.”
Reader Reviews:
“I typically don't read poetry so I am not sure how to critique it, but these poems were interesting.
All the poems are pretty short so it is easy to follow them and absorb them.”
Gretchen S.
Philadelphia, PA
Branch Isole’s “Eclectic Electricity” is a volume of poetry that begs the reader to open their eyes a bit wider and question themselves, their actions, and the societies they take part in. The poems within this book veer wildly from scathing critiques and rants, to gentler didactic cajoling and humbling revelation.
Isole takes plenty of time out to not only question others but to look in the mirror and question himself as well. The text of the poems is structured into a centered style that often lends well to the tone and movement of a rant poem, but this overall uniformity seems too restrained for an entire collection of poetry. Poems are laid out in this book via alphabetizing of the titles, which seems to be another sort of awkward uniformity for a creative work. The subjects and tone of alternating poems often don’t match up, play off, or segue well together. But I let Isole off the hook here because of the title of the book. Isole might put things together with uniformity in mind but whether intended or not the result in the end is indeed a disjointed eclecticism. It’s not often you find a volume of poetry with theologically tinged matter next to poems of eroticism. There’s something here for everyone.
Devin McGuire
Maine
Kindle Edition $4.95
““Like a piece of ice on a hot stove
the poem must ride on its own melting.”
It’s interesting how people shy away from poetry, perceiving it to be staid and archaic. It's often perceived as being from the far distant past, which has little presence or place in today’s literary lexicon.
However, most popular song lyrics are poetic in nature and presentation. Most fairy tales and children’s stories are poetic rhymes in nature and presentation. Most commercial advertising ‘jingles’ are poetic or rhyming in nature and presentation. And yet, most people have no interest in poetry.
Poetry is the perfect aphoristic medium for today’s readers for its purpose is to communicate thoughts, ideas, opinions and themes; clearly, concisely and with as much brevity as possible. The poster child for this modern day blend of need and expression is the Epigram. An Epigram is “a short [witty] poem or saying.”
The Epigram is the only literary form that can exist fully in today's '140 characters or less' world of expression. May you discover, or rediscover and enjoy, the power in the Epigram.
Reader Review:
“It’s been a while since I've read modern poetry but I really enjoyed this book of poems. I, for whatever reason, am always skeptical of poetry being angsty and youthful which turns me off. This book of poetry was decidedly adult, mature, and in my humble opinion, well-done.”
Tiruba T.,
USA
Kindle Edition$4.95
“Poetry is subjective.
Until your emotions become the object of its scrutiny.”
Magic, or illusion?
Our hearts’ desires are emotional motivators which can prompt, coerce or corrupt us to attempt all types of adventures and risks.
Expectation, or illusion?
Distractions exist presenting doubts or options, which may pull or prod us from the course we've chosen.
Trust, or illusion?
The path is one filled with deceit for our experience has shown none if any, will be true to the end.
Rationality of mind guides coherently and still, our Heartstrings continue to dance melodiously to Illusion.
Reader Reviews:
“I enjoyed many of the poems as they were easy to relate to. I would read more from Branch Isole.”
Janice S.
Billingham, Cleveland, UK
“This poetry gives a good insight on life. Every poem pertains to the everyday person stumbling along through present day. I found I could understand or relate to every topic brought up while still pushing my thinking.”
Caiti J.
Appleton, WI
Kindle Edition $4.95
“The struggle is between you . . .
and you.”
We, as have all those who have gone before, live in an era of fatal attractions. The continuity of our searching keeps us focused on fulfillment of our ever escalating desires.
We live in a time when more people have more possessions yet less confidence in themselves or their habitat systems.
In a quest for celebrity many are willing to say or do anything for momentary recognition. This unquenchable thirst for superfluous notoriety has become the mainstay of modern mass media ingestion and regurgitation.
Sex, celebrity and scandal sells; always has, always will. Feeding these beasts are insecurities and self-doubts that prompt many to push the envelopes of flash without substance and fluff without content.
Fear and envy drive many lives. As we become more engaged in others’ private specifics, many believe they pale in comparison to the fame or fortune often garnered by displays of inane egotism.
Actions beget reactions and prosperity bears responsibility. No matter the carrot or the stick, cause and effect of each choice we make soon faces the light of truth. Hence the Struggle begins.
Reader Review:
“I would recommend this book for those who are looking for something entirely different than what they have read in the past, even if poetry is not your thing I would still give it a go.”
Stephanie L.
Liverpool, GB
Kindle Edition $4.95
“. . . because talking about it,
makes you the worst person in the community.”
Life. We enter and leave alone.
Each of us on a solo trip of experiences, whereby we are exposed one degree or another through interactions by necessity with family, friends and acquaintances.
We learn to set aside inquisitiveness and pick up the first pebbles of our complacency. Encouraged, we readily begin to fill our bag of conformity with the stones and rocks of self, as our psyche is further molded.
A portion of our mortal existence is focused on the possibilities of life in the margins, and if not within the function of reality, certainly unbound by the scope of thought filled extrapolation. Sometimes called day dreaming, this mental inertia is the time spent outside the borders and parameters that drives tradition crazy and confounds conventional wisdom.
Reader Reviews:
“I enjoyed this book of poetry. The book will require a mature audience to enjoy/appreciate the content. Some of the works caused me to have a stop and think about it a moment, that I truly appreciated.”
Carla H.
Gloucester, NJ
“I’ve been reading at least one poem a day. When I first picked up the book, I thought I wasn't going to like it but it's proven me wrong. The author’s insight, feelings, and wisdom come through in his poetry.”
Lois R.
West Chester, PA
5x8 Paperback 124 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-95 PAPERBACK
FREE SHIPPING
Kindle Edition$4.95
“For the poet the key is to get the audience reading,
keep them reading, then make them come back for more.”
Everyone has a story to tell. Too often however, our children dismiss themselves and their value as individuals for an iconic emulation of the latest or most outrageous pop culture idolatry.
This is not a new phenomenon; it is the way of our world. How we express it has changed. No longer does there seem to be an individual identity built upon a young person’s discovery of him or herself and their world. From cave dwellers’ graphics, to written records, to high speed communications, people have always had something to say.
Those in the past who were recorded were read and therefore had an impact and made a difference in and to their world. Their words lived on, after they were gone.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“This collection gives evidence of a range of tones and techniques. Indeed it is an ‘eclectic blend’ of different voices, styles, and moods.”
5x8 Paperback 115 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-64 PAPERBACK
FREE SHIPPING
Kindle Edition $4.95
“Poets posit purpose and parables of an observable world.”
At various times in our lives we arrive at precipice points whether by choice or requirement and we look over the edge of our existence.
When this Line of Demarcation becomes self evident, we are faced with our mortality, morality and soul filling humanity.
How we respond in that moment of decision determines not only who we are, but who we will become in the next moment and in all those to follow.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“The range of subjects concerned is limited only by the possible experiences of an adult. Indeed, the choice of ‘Postcards’ is appropriate, for these works give glimpses into the possibilities of experience, and they invite the reader to share in its creation.”
5x8 Paperback 116 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-57 PAPERBACK
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Kindle Edition$4.95
“A poem should address timeless lessons, ethics and morals
while still being a complete short story with a beginning,
middle and an end presented with precise brevity.”
Everyone has a story to tell. Issues and events become the tenor of our lives. Most are told and retold to friends, then to acquaintances and eventually to anyone who will listen.
These intimate late night lamentations between friends often hold the greatest amount of truth and pain. With the first telling, the raw emotions of the experience and the people involved are exposed without the machinations of embellishment or feigned pity. It is from this initial spark of conversation the story takes on its ability to grow in many different directions, infused with a myriad of festering thoughts and feelings.
All over our world tonight, best friends are hearing for the first time, stories of life’s emotional traumas. Many are taking place as parking lot confessions.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“I enjoyed the poetry and enjoyed holding a book in which the poems were so well illuminated and contained. There were moments of strong imagery and detail and those were always a delight to encounter. The content seemed thoughtful and carefully rendered”
5x8 Paperback 123 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-19 PAPERBACK
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Kindle Edition $4.95
“The poet’s task is to recognize the essence of truth,
then express it as completely and succinctly as possible.”
Mana'o (pronounced ma-na-o) is Hawaiian for "thoughts, ideas and opinions." The seeds of Mana'o are all around each of us, in our world and on our paths.
Cast on the winds of universal time and space, waiting for us to grasp them and make them our own, they are the seeds of our journey. By watering those that have been planted in our soul, spirit, mind and body we each blossom to become who we are.
Enjoy the garden.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“This book is handsome and was obviously the product of great care and attention. My favorite moments were those that seemed not only crucial, but crucial to be told by this writer and this writer only. I love when I felt a specific way of seeing (in Henry James' word "one on whom nothing is lost"). I think this poet pays attention in every sense and that attention paid is time and writing well-spent. Some loveliness throughout this.”
5x8 Paperback 148 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09747692-88 PAPERBACK
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Kindle Edition$4.95
“Poetry is like physical attraction.
It speaks to you at first sight, or not at all.”
We live in a time when ‘flash’ has inevitably overtaken substance. The evolution of our post modern social experiment continues to be driven by imitation, in lieu of Avant garde origination. The side effects of our current tunnel vision will pay big dividends in our further demise as a society and people. Coupled with the future pain we can expect by dressing our festering wounds with Saccharin and Plastic Band Aids, the ills of our cultural hemorrhage will only become more exacerbated.
It won’t be the disease that kills us. It will be our misconstrued belief that we can manipulate the truth and outwit the parameters of life’s lessons with its innate natural processes.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“These poems are caring and direct, they speak from the poet’s heart.”
Reader Review:
“Isole’s poetry comes from a different place than the things I'm used to. However, Isole’s work retains a sort of perfection in the human emotion shown. As the cover portrays, Isole’s poems show many sides of the human psyche and though his characters have no names, it's very easy to understand them and to get to know them. I can guarantee you will find something that you like within its pages.”
Tiffany N.
Chelsea, MI
5x8 Paperback 138 pages $12.95
ISBN: 978-09826585-05 PAPERBACK
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Kindle Edition$4.95
“Poetry's imagination is the ability to be creative with reality.”
Never before, have so many depended so heavily upon innuendo, double entendre and verbal camouflage to express, then secondarily to cover up their audacious lies.
The only aspect more repugnant than these preposterous acts of repetitious weaving is the speaker who begins to imagine his or her own vacuous fabrications piqued enough to be veracious.
In the past this “spinning” activity was known as double-speak and prior to that simply, double talk. Leaping back further still we find such oratory described more poetically as the “Turn Of A Phrase.” Whereby the speaker either eloquently or by wit and mastery of the language, profusely and proficiently moved or spun the topic on its axis. Thus guiding the emphasis and direction from one pivotal position to a different point altogether.
Writer’s Digest Magazine Review:
“From the cover to the poems, it exudes a love of life. Strengths include tone and insight. These poems are heartfelt and speak of both struggle and wisdom. They communicate directly, heart to heart, from the poet to the reader.”
Reader Review:
“Turn of A Phrase, by Branch Isole is a collection of poetry and at the same time a story. Unlike the majority of poetry books I’ve read, you can see there is a cadence to it that isn’t confined to each poem. This cadence is in each poem and between them, connecting them in such a way that you see a path, almost a journey to their rhythm.
Normally when I read poetry I read it in bits and pieces because it’s a collection, but this time I read it from cover to cover as if reading any other fiction novel and when opting to see it as a collection rather than as each individual poem, it really does come across as a story from someone’s perspectives and observations on life and what is around them.
You can read it as one piece and you can also read it as individual pieces. Each poem will bring about a different reaction. There’s a wide range here, from poems filling several pages with thought to poems that are abrupt and succinct. I found it engaging, entertaining, and thought provoking.”
Bonnie S.
Sydney, NSW AUS