“Nature Sketch”
A poem about the 12 Apostles in Victoria, Australia
by Jimmy Tan San Tek
ISBN 978-981-11-7595-4
Copyright 2018
Reviewed by LB Sedlacek
“Nature Sketch” is reminiscent of romantic
poetry. It is the first book by Jimmy Tan
San Tek. He was inspired to write it after
visiting the coastal landforms.
His verses are accompanied by gorgeous
pictures which help bring the words to life.
You can simply imagine being there seeing and
experiencing what he saw with lines such as
“Here I am, peering agape at the churning
froth, / tracing the shadows that veil like
ebony cloth / of the trapped towers confined
to isolation / (Lonesome not as they huddle
in congregations).”
One of my favorite poets is Coleridge – some
of the lines here are in the same style and form.
This poetry book is a calling card of sorts
bringing the 12 Apostles to a natural life
in his words and verses.
His writing style is compelling and each line
not only shows a contemplation of what
might be happening, what could be
happening with the rocks as well as a respect
for them and their presence, necessity.
Observation is key as a poet. With this
work, Jimmy has accomplished maybe
the impossible – putting those magnificent
natural wonders into words and sharing
them with everyone as well as inspiring
them, too.
He sums it up with “I cast a backward
glance at the silent sentries / which have
stood vigilent over countless centuries.”
The book is beautiful and in itself the
poems are a work of art.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER LB SEDLACEK
LB Sedlacek’s is the author of several books
of poetry including “The Poet Next Door”
(Cyberwit), “Happy Little Clouds”
(Guerrilla Genesis Press), “The
Adventures of Stick People on Cars” (Alien
Buddha Press) and “Words and Bones”
(Finishing Line Press). Her first short story
collection, “Four Thieves of Vinegar & Other
Short Stories” came out on Leap Day 2020 from
Alien Buddha Press. Find out more:
Twitter: @lbsedlacek
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