A man wakes up and every morning, for ten years, writes one short four-line poem. They are then combined in a poetry collection titled “Let the Light Pour in”. A collection of thoughts, reflections, observations; witty, moving, clever, conversational, always warm.

Reading this diary of push and pull between light and darkness, one feels embraced and understood. We, humans, need a meaning, a motivation, a goal to get up every single day, to face the sunrise and sunshine, even though very often we feel safer and more comfortable in the darkness of the night.

Sissay’s poems portray this dichotomy not through opposites, but through a complementary dialogue between day and night. All of us have darkness and light in us and we need both to create a full picture. We just need to remember to let the light pour in, so the night does not swallow us.

This poetry collection is like a ray of sunshine making its way through the shutters. It is gentle, unassuming, approachable and completely devoid of pretentiousness. It is a great first step into poetry reading, as well as a charming addition to the poetry shelf of a home library. I have read it along with morning coffee, in between work emails and on the sunny seaside bench. I have enjoyed it equally every time. It is as universal as choosing to get up every single morning.

I have seen your greatness
The strength of your will
What it took you to get this far
Is what will take you further still

Lemn Sissay

Photo: Zach Reiner