A Realistic Poetry International 5 Star Book Review

Trapped in words

by Sheldon Sinnamon

“Even the most ghastly execrable past can be seen as a magnificent dream”

 

writes Author Sheldon Sinnamon in the beginning of this edition entitled “Trapped in Words”. This brief yet profound quote introduces the idea of perception and perspective, as the magnificence of a dream is surely in the eye of the beholder, nonetheless, we are immediately inquisitive in learning what the quote means to the author himself.

It is important to consider the fact that this book is written in dedication to those who suffer from or are battling a mental disorder, a commendable literary tribute by all means. Mental disorders affect and change millions of individuals lives every day, many people live with one completely unaware, oblivious to the abnormalities derived from its life-changing grasp. Sheldon’s poetic testimony informs us of just how exhausting it can be to play the same role over and over again, repeatedly, when starring as the lead character of his own life, one he views as a repetitious drama dominated by symptoms of severe vexation, exasperation, and depression.

He creatively titled this poem “Director’s Cut” to emphasize the variety of different types of genres for movies; action, romance, even comedy, only to point out how much better he views the other genres in comparison to his, willing to give up his “lifetime” role as a soap opera actor once and for all. We absolutely adore the poem “Be Yourself”, a wise poem that ingeniously enunciates the paradoxical effect that life is most famous for, often implying the idea that as individuals, we should be reluctant of living as an imitation of someone else and find the courage and spirit to ‘be ourselves’, no matter how many contradictions oppose this theory.

For instance, Sinnamon writes

“Be yourself. Apart when you go to interviews. Wear your best suit and brag about yourself as if you are headline news” and “Be yourself. But don’t be utterly honest because most of the time people don’t like it even if it’s about yourself. Don’t be selfish”

both interesting quotes that forces one to see the internal confliction that is nearly bound to occur when attempting to be who you actually are in a world where being “politically correct” is seemingly most acceptable. This poem is one in which most people can relate to because it is an inevitable reality; the truth can be devastating…and purposefully unwanted (including being who you are).

Seeing that this book discloses some background details pertaining to the life of the author, it is easy to connect many of the poem’s verbal descriptions to the real symptoms of depression and anxiety, like in the poem Daily Routine. His metaphorical arrangements in this poem cry the blue tears of pain that distort happiness as

“negative thoughts linger like flies that haven’t died for several days”

(as Sinnamon explains), complicating some of life’s most simplest tasks, for he says

“my to do list has minimized to accomplish the smallest of daily tasks”

to specifically indicate the lack of interest, excitement, and natural enthuse for life. There is intricate detail that depicts the narrator’s current image and appearance as he wallows in a wasteland that he calls

“unshaven heaven”

entrapped in a prison of dormant contemplation. And It is written with such a candid nature, his emotions penetrate deeply into the soul. This compelling collection of poetry is personal, deeply intimate, and especially relevant to individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

He shares poetic pictures of a conscience perpetually in a state of thought, with little to no action taken, nearly numb from the stronghold of fear. Fear of what, we ask? The question in itself can only be answered by the one experiencing such emotions, for the mind is a powerful yet delicate element that inevitably endures all of what life has to give, good and bad, and the the author proves resilience every single day he continues on. Author Sinnamon uses his own testimony as a direct example to let others know,

“suicide is not the only way out”

and though we must bear the adversity of life,

“you do get stronger. You learn ways of the shield”

even if you feel like there is no end.

This is the essence of this book. Indeed, we are all susceptible to the undesirable spells of doubt, depression, worry, and perplexity awaiting our weary souls; however, as long as tomorrow greets us, there is an opportunity to end the cycle, to fight back against the demons that pursue human hearts and souls for merely pleasure and destruction; and it is beyond worth it, with Sheldon as proof!

So if you are fighting an internal battle, after reading the author’s book you will see that you’re not alone. Don’t give up. We are happy to rate this book with 5 stars! Sheldon’s poetry is meaningful and honest.

Buy Trapped in Words here:

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