Dreamers Needed by Lozan Yamolky
reviewed by Stephen Kerr

Dreamers Needed
Lozan Yamolky
McNally Robinson
2018

Lozan Yamolky has written an honest, courageous and important book of personal and political poetry. I love the call and response and the use of repetition in several of the poems. It is filled with powerful poems. “A Refugee Child Talking” speaks to the pain and hopelessness of the refugee experience. “Peace Treaty” is a powerful statement about unseen horror and destruction that is experienced by its victims before leaders get to glorify themselves in the honour of a ceasefire. The book is about a desire to change the world, to not only see what’s wrong with it, but to fix it. It’s very positive in that respect. It is not only a call for justice in the world. Fundamentally, I think it’s about love on multiple levels, the love of her sons, and the love for a world that is hurting. “Warrior Up” and “Dreamers needed” are clarion calls for us to show the love we have for the world in our actions. “A Mothers Love” is about her unbreakable bond her son, emphasized with the refrain “I knew would always love you.” I’ve just selected a few poems here, but I found the entire collection moving and powerful. I highly recommend it, especially for those who care about the state of the world and those who inhabit it.

Stephen Karr is a library technician and poet who writes about social and environmental issues, nature, and personal observations on his life and locating himself in the world. He is a member of The Federation of British Columbia Writers and Royal City Literary Arts Society.