Trancendental Targets
Joseph Cavanaugh's introduction to his book of poetry Transcendental Targets defines Transcendentalism, but one need not read the definition to understand. Through his poetry, the readers experience the physical and spiritual response to the world he creates--a magical world which transports the reader into a peaceful, loving world of fresh ideas. Lennon's Wall on the cover sets the theme, but the poetry and the photographs inside gently lead the reader to exotic places and then to ordinary places in which the reader discovers something new, unanticipated, but very welcome. In each section, a new group of poems open up a new world--whether it is part of a world that you see every day and will never see the same again, or an exotic foreign world you did not know existed.
Joseph Cavanaugh's introduction to his book of poetry Transcendental Targets defines Transcendentalism, but one need not read the definition to understand. Through his poetry, the readers experience the physical and spiritual response to the world he creates--a magical world which transports the reader into a peaceful, loving world of fresh ideas. Lennon's Wall on the cover sets the theme, but the poetry and the photographs inside gently lead the reader to exotic places and then to ordinary places in which the reader discovers something new, unanticipated, but very welcome. In each section, a new group of poems open up a new world--whether it is part of a world that you see every day and will never see the same again, or an exotic foreign world you did not know existed.
This hardcover book of poetry is more than just a poetry book. It is a magic carpet the reader will turn to again and again with delight to savor the peace and joy, the pure contentment of being in the right place at the right time, unencumbered, a free spirit in the world you can keep by your side and in your heart forever each time you open his book.
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A hard cover book of magic spells woven by beautiful forms of poetry and words contrived to evoke responses of love and peace and pure joy. A skillfully crafted book by a master poet who can made the mundane look exotic and the exotic a beautiful but attainable jewel lthat the reader will always want to keep near
by the Publisher, Dr. Mary Custureri, Taylor and Seale Publishing
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
Peter Meinke,
Poet Laureate of Florida
"With our world in a dark negative funk, Joseph Cavanaugh's new book of poems, with terrific photos by his wife Shirley, arrives like a splash of sunshine. As Robert Frost did with his pasture, the Cavanaughs invite us in to share their richly realized world: 'All, all is yours and you are welcome'. These poems and photos are about 'grace in a tight spot,' and as they travel through seasons and countries they tell us we're all connected, and that we have depth and meaning. Transcedentalism for our strung-out 21st century. This is a welcome book indeed."
Professor M.B McLatchey,
Author of 'The Lame God' and Poet Laureate of Volusia County, Florida
"In the great tradition of literary collaborations, this collection offers us a gorgeous coupling of images and poems. 'Move over, Baudelaire,' as one of the poems directs us; here is a book that muses, sings and laughs with us."
Jesse Owens,
J.D. Environmental Law, poet, singer, musician, songwriter, author of 'A Tired Man's Fantasies' and 'Other Musings'
"Joe Cavanaugh's readers will revel in the beauty of his new book, Transcedental Targets. The collection of poems lovingly arrayed with his wife Shirley's art photography brings to life their travels and experiences, calling attention to the transcedental beauty of existence and leading us all to peace and prosperity in a world that works for everyone."
Lola Haskins,
Award winner (Emily Dickinson Prize and two Florida Book Awards). Honorary Chancellor of the Florida State Poets Association.
"In a negative world, it's beautiful to meet someone like Joe Cavanaugh who has dedicated his life to helping others without even having lost the idealism that started him on that path. In that context, that he understands himself as a descendant of the transcedentialists makes perfect sense. This book is in its way a love story between the poet and his wife, whose photographs grace this book. It offers us hope, and peace, and yes, even joy."
"Love Happens, A Target on my Chest", is a recent collection of poems about love and contemporary life inspired by the style of Rumi, a 12th century Persian poet and mystic. Written by Florida poet, Joe Cavanaugh, these poems deal with modern love, society, politics, and aesthetics from a transcendental perspective, re imagining Rumi's timeless advice from a 21st century point of view. A prominent theme is trying to understand what's happening at the sub atomic level when we love and are loved and how are intentions become our day to day reality. Like Rumi, the author explores the passionate quest for the ecstatic moments in every day life and the individual search for deeper meaning in an emotional landscape that today is dominated by the mundane electronic network that pervades our current environment. Love has many moving parts and is happening every where, all the time for those who are searching for it. As Rumi said, "Love is the reality and poetry is the drum that calls us to it".
What a great read, Extremely well written. creates pleasant moods and expresses feelings in a strong way. The author is a very talented poet.
Thomas R. Johnston
Amazon 5 Star Review (Paperback)
Joe has written a book of poetry that reveals his profound knowledge of love and life.
I especially like the large type and sharp fonts he used for easy reading.
The art work is exquisite.
I look forward with eagerness for his next publication.
Teal ~ 3/6/14
Teal
Amazon 5 Star Review (Paperback)
I can feel a transformation taking place in Cavanaugh's writing. His structure is crisp and the poems resonate with every mans challenge to find the meaning of life. The idea that life is an " inside job" comes across clearly. From references to Saint Francis of Assisi to the observation of simple everyday pleasures ,that I for one often take for granted or overlook in my haste to get through my busy day. His message is universal and non-sectarian. Cavanaugh has become a real wordsmith. Minimum words with maximum punch. Plenty of humor with an existential twist. This is an easy pleasurable read. I'd like to see more from this author.
Wilder
Amazon 5 Star Review (Paperback)
Centered on the theme of creative love, Joseph Cavanaugh’s poetry presents a wide range of emotional response to many expressions of love. From wistful and nostalgic in “Looking Down on the Duomo,” to tender and endearing in “When You Were Small,” to passionate and intense in “Queen Palm Dances with the Wind,” in Love Happens, Joe Cavanaugh furnishes the reader with poetry at once evocative and perceptive. Through his masterful focus on the teachings of the mystic poet Rumi, Joe Cavanaugh has given some answers to Rumi’s question “What do you know of Love except the name?” (in Jewels of Remembrance). Benevolence and compassion, fondness and affection – all these and more are reflected in the poems of Love Happens, A Target on My Chest as Love is found in relationships, politics, and social constructs of all sorts. This is a poetry collection to pick up and read many times as one’s love journey ebbs and flows through its many forms and many life goals.
Chantico
Amazon 5 Star Review (Paperback)
Joe Cavanaughs newest collection of poems proves that poetry in America is alive and well. It delights both the well versed reader of literature as well as the occasional reader who is sometimes reluctant to choose poetry for enjoyment and relaxation. The poems are accessible for everyone, avoiding the frequent obscurity of many contemporary writers. Their vivid imagery evokes strong emotional responses that linger in the reader's mind and heart and make him/her reach for that book again and again. This volume offers a great variety of topics such as love between two individuals, love of countries traveled and people known, love of life. The poems move from the mundane, such as pizza and beer, to the sublime. They are lighthearted in some cases, deeply reflective in other, always searching for truth in experience and thought and beauty in the language.
I also cherish the poems about poetry itself. Who wouldnot be enchanted by lines like these:
When written words take us
to the land of the fair
where turquoise sunsets
reflect in your long red hair.
Joe Cavnaugh writes with a "pregnant pen". Enjoy!
Kyra v.B 19/4/14
gudbrun brokoph
Amazon 5 Star Review (Paperback)
It will make you think about relationships and how to improve them.
Michael R. Berger
Amazon 5 Star Review (Kindle Ebook)
Joe presents a thoughtful variety of romantic poems well worth reading. Romantic as Adonis falls asleep in the sheep meadow, Queen Palm as the eternal mother strikes at my Florida heart. Emergence of the spark within us, all eyes are living cameras, seeing we believe what cannot be seen, energy arising giving birth to today's reality. And today, What Does the Mullah Say?
You will enjoy this book.
Bill Sweeters
Amazon 5 Star Review (Kindle Ebook)
Love Happens - A Target on my Chest
POETRY JAM with Toast and Tea
by Joseph Cavanaugh
"Deeply personal poems drawn from a life devoted to social and ecological issues. A measure of Irish folklore. Joe Cavanaugh is a man of deep compassion who offers some surprising insights into the workings of this world. He's worth a listen." -- Taelen Thomas, actor and poet.
"Reading Joe Cavanaugh's poetry is like sipping exotic tea in a fine porcelain cup. The words from the porcelain - clean, refined, elegant. The tea is the taste of each poem's meaning, layered to warm your emotions, soothe your soul, challenge and envigorate your mind-very fulfilling." -- Dan Pels, author of Untying Wood Knots
"His poetry will stimulate your creative juices and give life to inner myths...reflect[ing] a struggle between the coolness of order in its calculating objectivity and technological concerns and the warm, non-conformist spontaneity." -- Robert E. Blenheim, Founder and President of Live Poets Society of Daytona Beach
"From the fact that he refuses to use hyphens in his poetry, to his strong social consciousness, Joseph Cavanaugh has found his own path to both a more enlightened life and the creation of poems of quality. If sincerity and virtue count for you in a book of poetry, you will be very pleased." -- David B. Axelrod, poet and publisher.
