In his latest collection long-stemmed roses [selected and edited by ai li] Larry Kimmel approaches the love poem in a fresh, bold way. Laced with sensuality, subtly touched by longing and saturated with passion-these cherita speak (or rather whisper) to the lover in us. What's more, there is an effortlessness running through these pages, indeed the sort of quality, or finesse, that takes both time and effort to develop.As explored so skillfully in this poetry collection, love is so much more than just 'being in love'. It is all the sensations of longing, of losing, of letting go, of not living up to expectations, and sometimes, of keeping secrets and/or just being moved by the moment. Welcome additions to the narrative explore slightly different angles of the love theme: fatherhood being one, growing older another. Other unexpected gems include 'wind & owls' rooted in the contentment of simply being in the here and now; 'the door blows open' with its haunting mood; the striking beauty of 'following the path'; and the just right 'silently in a snapshot'.At times there's a sense of loneliness permeating these pages. Or rather a solitary place, perhaps represented by the poem itself. We all have a place where we go to be alone, but not necessarily lonely. These poems seem to provide the writer with such a place, and in turn, the reader. Many of these cherita have a confessional tone, adding to the secrecy of a private thought revealed on the page. This adds to the excitement of the reading adventure but also it lends a touch of vulnerability. Here is a poet, putting himself along with his hurts and regrets, dreams and desires, on the page for everyone to read. Maybe this is what the title alludes to.Larry Kimmel's background in short-form poetry is evident in his efficient use of imagery and economical style. The images brought to life within these pages are vivid and memorable. The cherita in long-stemmed roses are not just bold and uncompromised, but, I must confess, often delicious. They engage all our senses, in a similar way that love does ... somehow they are stripped of their pretenses; they come as they are and as such they are not simply fleeting moments of passion, but powerful beyond the scope of the page. This is a thrill of a collection, but please don't take my word for it, turn the page ... Caroline Skanne founding editor of hedgerowUpnor, Kent, England2018