Kelly O'Toole

Perspectives is a collection of poems depicting that how we see ourselves is not how others see us. Oftentimes, especially today in a world where comparison is easy and success seems unachievable, we tend to berate ourselves, only seeing the worst. Yet, others often see us better than we see ourselves. Consisting of 42 poems at 10,000 words, Perspectives gives the reader hope that they, too, are more than they imagine. 

Many of the poems read as two separate voices: how the “I” sees her/himself and how an outsider sees the speaker. Various first person narrators are used including children, and men and women of all ages. Other poems incorporate the idea of point of view by looking at everyday problems or situations from a different vantage point than is typically used. The collection also portrays the idea that others are not what they appear to be and that we really don’t know what goes on in someone else’s internal world. Stylistically, the poems utilize nature imagery and connect with the reader on an intimate level by the rawness and honesty of admitting people’s secret shames and emotional troubles.

This is my second book of poetry. A poem from my first collection is forthcoming in scissors & spackle. I am a former English teacher, have a BA in English and Art History, and MAT in teaching English. I am currently a stay at home mom from New Jersey, living in Germany. Attached are two poems from Perspectives and two poems from my first collection, I Only Have To Change My Mind.