You may know Sanaa Rizvi of ‘A Dash of Sunny‘ from the dVerse poetry community. Whether or not you are already familiar with her work, I recommend this exquisite poetry collection, which charts the poet’s journey through 2020 in a collection which follows the phases of the moon and the shifting sands of life.
Why Moon Bath?
As Sanaa explains herself in her introduction, a Moon Bath is ‘the celebration of the alignment we share with the moon cycle, as well as nature, making us all feel just a little bit more connected to the outside.’ The poetry collection is divided into 12 parts, each named after a different aspect of the moon, from the ‘Chaste Moon’ of early spring to the ‘Green Corn Moon’ of high summer.
The story
The book follows the poet on a journey of self-discovery through love both lost and found, through denial to realisation of an enduring inner strength. Sanaa’s style is deeply sensuous, as is evident in the early love poems:
I am floating amid cream clouds,
hearing his voice as dark as licorice,
as orange marmalade with deep and intense
cocoa flavour—
I can almost make out the fragrance,
merciless
– ‘Ode to Dark Chocolate’ (from Part 3)
The collection contains many references to mythology, in particular to the legends of Hades and Persephone, Orpheus and Eurydice:
I am alone
but not really in my query of the universe;
this pattern is decades old,
with the moon and stars bursting for everyone to see— birth is only the first gate,
like Persephone I bathe myself in the devastating light.
– ‘The eternal blow hot and cold’ (from Part 4); see also ‘When at long last Eurydice woke’ (Part 2), ‘The abduction of Persephone’ (Part 8) and ‘Hades in the Underworld,’ (Part 12)
Disillusioned by a love which was not to be, the poet seeks refuge in denial in Parts 6 and 7, but by Part 8 she has arrived at a new, invaluable realisation:
I am firelight, my consciousness immune to toxicity, to blackness
that surrounds and torments;
I smile knowing it too is a form of rebellion.
– ‘Green Corn Moon ~ Part One: Amidst the ache and turmoil’ (from Part 8)
By the final chapters, the poet’s strength and rebellious character shine through her words:
‘I am the weed in their otherwise perfectly manipulated rose garden—
a teardrop as I dance in the rain; I am a rebel on the go
and I am leaving the lights on.’
– ‘Cold Moon ~ Part One: Leaving the lights on’ (from Part 12)
Poetic Voice
Sanaa’s imagery is a feast for the senses. Her unique poetic voice sets the tone of the whole collection. To give you just a taste, here are some examples of her style:
I hold a perfect salt-bleached shell to my ear, listen to the voices
reaching out from all sides. Sweet, succulent, savory, the sting
that rises within erases all remains.
– ‘Harvest Moon ~ Part Three: A Soft, Silent September Night’ (From Part 9)
With every touch its fingerprints mark me as its own;
as though a hot coal placed in the center of my chest,
the last of the conversations haunt me,
replays like a boysenberry echo etched—
isn’t it cruelty?
– ‘Mourning Moon ~ Part One: This is by no means autobiographical’ (From Part 10)
Let imperturbability be breath,
as I learn to dig out shadows from underneath my nails—
yesteryear is nothing more than a haunting unparadised,
nothing good ever comes from looking back.
– ‘Blue Moon Rising’ (From Part 10)
Conclusion
This book is a delight for the senses, examining our inner world whilst also questioning the wisdom of society at large. I enjoyed its carefully thought-out structure, providing an overarching narrative which binds the collection together beautifully. Lovers of rich and unorthodox poetic imagery, romanticism and mythology will devour this collection!
To purchase the book, visit Sanaa’s website.
Looking for more poetry recommendations? Check out my ‘Book Reviews‘ section. For enquiries about book reviews, please contact me at experimentsinfiction@protonmail.com.

wow Ingrid, great review! Gives us a real taste … you’ve done Sanaa justice just as you did Ivor. Maybe reviewing could become your second income?
I don’t know if there’s much money in it, but I enjoy spreading the word about the books I love 😊
not for friends, that would be wrong but I understand some do get paid for book reviews 🙂
I did get offered some work but with the terms offered I would rather just share them on here!
smart lady!
Such a wonderful and thoughtful review, Ingrid. I’m sure Sanaa will be pleased. 💙
Nice review! I love her work! 😍
Great 🤩
I agree with all of the above <3
Thanks David!
I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now, thank you so so much, Ingrid 😘 for such a fabulous review! ❤️❤️ Glad you liked the book! 📕
I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now, thank you so so much Ingrid 😘 for such a fabulous review! ❤️❤️
I am glad you enjoyed the book! 📕
It is well deserved! 🤗❤️🌺
🤗🤗🥰🥰🥰
as Ingrid said, well deserved for your heart and hard work Sanaa.
Saana much be thrilled with such a beautiful reflection of her work presented in such a beautiful way. Congratulations to you Sanaa and lovely Ingrid❣️
Thanks Cindy! I am enjoying this series of reviews 😊
you do them so well❣️how do you find time? i’d like to but find it hard.
I honestly don’t know! I suppose I count this as my day job 😅
It’s impressive!!!💖 and I know appreciated💖❣️
Moon Bath is a beautiful title! I love that this book is divided into the moon phases to bring extra meaning to the night sky intrigue of the poetic stories here. Sanaa’s connection to the small jewels of nature and sensation shines in her excerpted work here.
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure 😊
A wonderful review Ingrid. Sanaa is such a talented poet ☺️💕🌺
She is indeed 🥰
Sanaa’s book sounds incredible. Outstanding review, as you do!
It is! And thank you kindly 🙏
I was trying to follow her, but was having trouble finding her blog. Does she have a blog?
She does but it’s on Blogger: http://www.adashofsunny.com
Thank you! Will check it out.
You are a careful and insightful reader, and have caught the essence of Sanaa’s writing. (K)
what a great review… you have really captured what we all love about Sanaa’s poetry.
Thank you Björn!
beautifully done Ingrid. Just enough said and that’s great writing from you. well done again. shall be following you and perhaps look forward to you reviewing some of my work. all the best.
Thank you Sophia for your kind words 🙏