To love your fine darkness, the cacophony of stillness coming ever

closer, a blessing I would not trade

Ode - Awab Hassan

Blue Tuesday Collection is a beautiful collection of poems from Awab Hassan. The poems are contrasted with an almost melancholy blue background and interesting abstract visuals, breathing life into them.

Every time I thought I had come across my favourite poem in the collection, I would turn the page and pick a new favourite. In the end, I think my favourites are Flaw of Descartes, Ode, and SweetNothing. The collection is divided into four acts and Hassan draws on mythology and philosophy throughout, referencing figures such as Descartes and Orpheus. Ultimately, the collection explores the self, love, loss, and life. The subject matter and word choices at times reminded me of the Romantic poets, but Hassan's writing is modern and relevant, questioning the uselessness of immortality, and pondering work of great minds with new twists.

The major thing that struck me about this collection is the sincerity of it. The thought and contemplation is there, behind every poem. I loved the aesthetics of the collection, which would look just as beautiful in print. Overall, I would definitely read more of Hassan's work and I recommend this collection to anyone who loves poetry, whether you prefer the Romantics or modern poets. I can see it fitting perfectly into any poetry lover's collection. There is meaning to be found for everyone within the poetry of Awab Hassan's Blue Tuesday Collection. I can see Hassan going on to have great success.