Her debut book of poetry, “Love and Misadventure,” is composed of 75 poems that make a reader want to listen to Sam Smith and John Legend on repeat. The soulful writing is unapologetic, and Leav harnesses the power of saying a lot with a little – the longest poem is only three paragraphs of prose poetry.
After dedicating the book to her partner Michael Faudet, she begins part one. Each section is bookmarked by the author’s own illustrations done in what appears to be simple pencil. Part one and part two, “Misadventure” and “The Circus of Sorrows,” are introduced by a sleepy blonde drifting on the page. Part three, “Love,” is accompanied by a brunette with a blunt bob and a pug. Both look equally as sleepy. The little six-line morsels are easy to miss if the reader is distracted with the outside world. A quiet read is recommended for reflection’s sake – Leav’s poems pack a punch that does not hesitate to floor the audience.
With titles like “Just Friends,” “Wallflower” and “Afraid to Love,” it’s easy to dismiss the poetry as sappy and unoriginal. After a quick reread, lines such as “for the past has taught to not be caught, in what is not worth pursuing” become not just catchy rhymes but relatable motifs. Themes of loneliness, happiness, doubt and depression mix with metaphors of fishing, carousels and rollercoasters, causing a contrast between happy thoughts and not-so-happy times. The distinction is furthered by the sad-looking illustrations that are adorned with balloons and cone-shaped party hats.
Parts two and three echo with musicality along with part one. The heavy subject matter of betrayal, jealousy and soul mates are written with end rhymes that create a “Ring Around the Rosie” effect of child-like happiness. The poems aren’t all dire and depressing, though. “All or Nothing” speaks to self-worth and confidence while “Written in Traffic” takes a break from all the hustle and bustle.
It’s easy to see why Leav’s poetry has become popular. Unless a reader has never had relations with another human being, the writer’s voice tugs on some familiar heartstrings. Leav is never too stingy with her work and often posts pictures of her projects on her social media platforms. As she prepared for the release of “Love and Misadventure” in 2013, she shared her writing with her fans via her website and blog. Because of this collaboration, most people are familiar with Leav’s voice and don’t even know it.
Looking back, “Love and Misadventures” is helpful as an introduction to Leav’s style of short stanzas and lines with hanging indentions that make a statement. Her playful, melodic and somber voice takes a firm hold in her newest installation, “Lullabies.”
To make things even more crafty and individual, the author provides a service for readers to send their favorite Lang Leav poems to anyone. The poems are printed on heavyweight art paper and encased in a string-tie envelope, according to the book’s final page. To send a poem, readers can visit langleav.com/postedpoems.
