Poetry is one of the most expressive and malleable mediums in literature. Poetry can be romantic, informative, intellectual, melancholic, stirring, or even terrifying. It can be written in simple or complex verses or morph into a gallant narrative poem. As Edgar Allan Poe once said, "Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words..." and that quote rings true with E. Hughes' Space, Time, and Loneliness.
Seasoned poet and author E. Hughes bares her soul in this heart-wrenching, melancholic addition to her overflowing catalogue of works that range from fiction, non-fiction, novels, philosophy, short stories, screenplays, and her poetry—which has been in circulation since the 1990s—adds a chapbook that combines the mysteries of space and time and her rhythmic style.
While a only a couple of poems in Space, Time, and Loneliness covers social issues, such as The Force of Hate, and Hunger, the majority of her works are very introspective and somber as they tackle the shackles of pain, the intimacy of both Storgy and Eros love, the Impermanence of life and the question of what lies beyond the darkness. Each poem brings about a soulful, mystifying, centering, and a thoughtful and soothing presence, while also bringing a heaviness that clings to the heart long after you put the book down.
There are four poems in Space, Time, and Loneliness that personally comes to mind such as, I Pray we Meet Again, The Impermanence of Being, Present Illusions, and An Infinite Destiny, with the latter of the four encompassing everything that this poetry chapbook is about.
An Infinite Destiny touches upon the loneliness, transient, gloominess, and finality of life and equates it to that of the phases of the moon and the winding down of a clock. While the subject matter of someone facing the final moments of their life can fill many with dread, there is a solemn acceptance and readiness in this poem that makes it stand out amongst the other beautiful writings within.
Every poem is heavy on rhythm, substance, and meaning, and lovers of poetry with eagle eyes and open minds will even notice hidden ciphers within the poems. Outside of the otherworldly poetry in Space, Time, and Loneliness there is also a bonus short story that will pull at the heartstrings and further place you in the world that E. Hughes has crafted.
As mentioned before, poetry is one of the most expressive and malleable mediums in literature, and with any medium, it takes someone truly special to draw emotions from their readers, whether that emotion is curiosity, dread, somberness, or even inspiration. E. Hughes has proven her mettle time and again as a veteran writer in the literary arena and this tender, solemn, profound, tranquil, and enlightening entry is no different and earns a strong recommendation from me.
- ★★★★★ – Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
Space, Time, and Loneliness by E. Hughes explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the profound beauty of fleeting moments. This poetry chapbook takes readers on a reflective journey through the depths of human emotion, addressing love, despair, hope, and cosmic wonder. Hughes’ work is marked by its simplicity and evocative language, bringing complex themes to an accessible level while leaving space for personal interpretation. One of the memorable poems, “In the Land of the Lonely,” examines the quiet despair of those who feel unseen, painting a vivid landscape of internal struggle. In “The Impermanence of Being,” Hughes contemplates the fleeting nature of existence, touching on the theme of transience intimately and universally. Hughes’ language is meditative and rhythmic, inviting readers to ponder their lives within the incredible expanse of time and space.
Each piece in the collection builds on the last, creating an emotional arc that moves from isolation to acceptance and a kind of cosmic understanding. E. Hughes’ verses reveal a profound sensitivity to the human condition, capturing its vulnerabilities and resilience. The interplay between themes of space and the human psyche adds a layer of introspection, making this chapbook a compelling read for anyone searching for meaning in the complexities of life. Space, Time, and Loneliness is a thoughtful collection that invites readers to pause, reflect, and find solace in the shared experience of existence. I highly recommend it to poetry lovers (of which I am one) and anyone seeking comforting words or a great read on a star-lit night.
