Bicycles: Love Poems

It is what it said it is .. all about moving and balancing

Nikki Giovanni celebrates her 65 years with 65 poems following in the tradition of her well-received earlier release, Love Poems, and expands on the nuances, notions, and manifestations of love. She taps into the senses: the instant physiological reactions of seeing a lover or loved one regardless of whether they are a revered figure (in an ode to "Free Huey") or familial as reflected in "Christmas Laughter." Tastes are echoed in the references of food seasoned just right and prepared with the right dose of tender loving care. Hearing and touching are featured in several pieces devoted to jazz and the influence music has in the art of love and loving. "Love Luther" is dedicated to the love that Luther Vandross inspired with his melodic voice and songs that begat a generation. She does not let us forget the power of memories elicited from the whiff of a lover's cologne, smell of "him" on his shirt, or revisiting his essence on the sweat-soaked sheets the morning after. Filled with metaphors Miss Nikki reminds us that love can be experienced everywhere at all times from many sources even our ancestors, our families, our friends, ourselves. We must be patient and mindful of it for it is a loving balm that can strengthen and renew us when we need it most.Opening and closing with reflections on the Virginia Tech massacre, she shares her observations and lessons learned that love can lift anyone from the depth of tragedy. There are other works in the collection that mention the peace and protection love can bring, the sacrifices loved ones make, and the joy it offers. There is something for everyone in this compact offering because she covers the concept in many settings and from many angles. Bicycles is a short, sweet, enjoyable collection that is easily absorbed into the soul.Reviewed by PhyllisJanuary 19, 2009APOOO BookClub

As always, another profound work by Nikki Giovanni. She touches on all the various forms of love not just the romantic sense. Also, she captures the emotions those different forms of love can invoke. From unreciprocated love, to the love we have for martyrs, love of certain forms of music...this book emcompasses love and life.

I grew up on Nikki in the 60s/70s learing what poetry is about and understanding what it is to be a little black girl growing up in the 70x in the civil rights movement. Reading Nikki G. takes to you a place that I can't decribe. Her words talk to you, for you, about you!!!! I dont' ready her love poems all a one time. I have it on my iPad so as I commute to/from work/home I open for encouragement, for reinforcement about my love for myself, my husband, my family, for life.THANK YOU NIKKI G. YOU TRULY ARE A GOD-SEND!!!!

I adore Nikki's work although I can understand how others would not. It's very difficult to pin which kind of poetry your gonna be a fan of considering someone can write a good poem but the very next day write a terrible one. This is my favorite collection of poems by her. I prefer her love poems rather than her other subjects. It's a quick read and can't hurt:)

Nikki Giovanni is a prolific author of poetry , prose and children's books. A woman of wicked good humor, this little gem...rather LARGE gem of a book is perfection..lovely surprises, twists and turns, all laced with tongue in cheek humor at once humorous and sexy. Got your interest? These love poems fit any/all occasions and you will fall in love with The Someone who gives you this book...SO.... Christmas is coming and this is a SURE THING....; )))))

Bicycles (Love Poems) by Nikki Giovanni is like taking a bike ride on a magnificent spring day. Her images are crisp and alive and make you want to notice the little things that make you smile. "Bicycles move with the flow of the earth" she says. Take a ride with Nikki and catch the exuberance she has for life. She definitely has "Stage presence" she tells us. Ann Collins

My Book Club read it, shared our favorite poems & discussed them. It was a great discussion! I could not imagine how we were going to discuss a book of poems but it worked very well.

just what i was looking for :) defiantly a good purchase and good to pick up and have a read through

Excellent delivery. and it makes for a very interesting read. I recommend it to anyone. Superb, recommend it to all