A collection of poems (loosely) inspired by the ancient Chinese classic I Ching (Book Of Changes). These are not translations or paraphrases, and no special knowledge of the I Ching is required. These poems simply use the hexagrams of the I Ching as points of departure for original compositions. Each poem explores the concept introduced by a hexagram, with solid lines of the latter being represented by solid nine-syllable lines of text, and broken lines by lines of text divided into two halves of four syllables each.
"Tortoise Dances is a unique book of poetry...The poems are thought provoking...Dennis Goza offers an interesting collection of poetry that is both entertaining and inspiring."
---BookReview.com
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By Vonda Tippett
Jun 11, 2008
"Tortoise Dances" Amazing artistry. This poet doesn't just invent a new form; he invents a new form for each poem. And it almost always suits the content perfectly.
"Tortoise Dances" A unique, stunning achievement. While some of these poems may require some mental effort on the part of the reader, the effort is well repaid. With striking imagery, fresh diction, and highly inventive form, these poems are miniature, multi-faceted gems that offer a great many ideas to contemplate, and to return to again and again.
"Tortoise Dances" I've never been much of a fan of modern poetry-- I generally prefer the more traditional stuff-- so I really was hesitant to read this book. But although its style is in a way quite modern,it also makes excellent use of classical techniques. It even uses rhyme at times, although unexpectedly and in fresh ways. Somehow this book reminds me of the lyrical, epigrammatic style of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Superb!
"Tortoise Dances" I was intrigued enough to read this book after I took a closer look at its cover. I noticed that the illustration of the turtle is composed of basic geometric shapes, the various combinations of solid and broken lines comprising the elements of the I Ching, and some binary numbers which appear to be a date, perhaps. This deceptively simple design is subtle, clever and imaginative; I thought maybe the book itself would be likewise, and I wasn't disappointed.
"Re: Tortoise Dances" Good eye! It is indeed a date coded in binary numerals on the tortoise claws: 12-31-20-04, which was originally intended to be the official date of publication. (I made it available on Lulu in September.) Note also the eyes, which are the binary number two, reflecting the dualsim behind binary numbers, the I Ching, and many of the poems in this volume. (Binary numbers, of course, are used in electronic circuits--did you realize that the I Ching contibuted to the development of modern computer science?) Anyway, I'm amazed that anyone actually noticed such esoteric details--I really just put them there for my own amusement. But your appreciation of the cover (which I designed) is greatly appreciated.
