For poet H.T. Manogue, 2006 was a year of change—change of thinking about who he was and how he saw the world. In his second collection of poetry, Short Sleeves: A Book for Friends 2007, many of Hal's poems in this volume vibrate with the possibility that radiates from change.
Themes of forgiveness, unity, love and the cycles of life underscore the pervading theme that all is one, now is eternity, and we are co-creators with the Divine. Whether paying homage to penguins in the poem Flightless ("Dressed in suits of black and white, a touch of orange to show your class"), or swimming in an ocean in self love where "Now I am an island surrounded by myself", Hal reminds us of the grandeur of the Ground of Being from which all things arise.
Filled with over 100 poems, Short Sleeves: A Book for Friends 2007 is a delightful romp with Spirit, reminding us not to take ourselves, or life, so seriously. Yet, Hal's poems also acknowledges difficult circumstances like war—a mirror reflecting our projected aggression, judgmentalism, and conformity.
If you enjoy inspirational and metaphysical poetry, Short Sleeves: A Book for Friends 2007 is a heartfelt offering of witty observations, hard-won wisdom and poetic gymnastics. Hal coaxes us to view our world, each other, and ourselves with joy, exuberance and gratitude—remembering Who We Are through contrast and experience.