Life Could Be Verse: Reflections on Love, Loss, and What Really Matters

Sadly, we lost Kirk Douglas Feb 5, 2020. I had only felt compelled to order and read this short little book only a week or so before his death. Is the poetry exception by great poetic standards? Some might say no, but I say yes, because of this important reality: This book reveals a very famous movie star as a real living and dying human being who loved and lived with all the gusto he could muster, a man I have admired since I, myself, was a child. I highly recommend this little book to all who shall miss Kirk Douglas, and I also recommend his excellent books (I have them both) The Ragman's Son & I Am Spartacus.How did Mr. Douglas finish out his life on this earth? I shall allow him to show you in his own words from the last page of this book of poetry and his life shared published in 2014: Page 115: It is a clear sunny day in Monetecito. I walk around the garden that Anne and I built together, filled with the sculpture that we bought in our years of travel, the beautiful flowers, my favorite tree--I am happy. I sit on my bench."Take me God, I am ready to goI've lived almost a hundred yearsI want a new adventure,Take me, I have no fears.I'm grateful for all you've given meon this beautiful earth below.Lots of fame and too much money--Now I'm ready to go.""Kirk!"That's my wife calling me.I watch Anne slowly head back to the kitchen with her walker. She turns, "Lunch is ready dear.""God, let's wait another year."I hurry to her, and give her a kiss.Life could be verse.........Thankfully, Kirk Douglas was blessed with a few more years in passing from this earth at a ripe old age of 103. But as you can see, even at nearly 100, there were moments when he realized that life is (always shall be) far too short. I hope my sharing of this final page of this fine book will inspire you to purchase a copy of your very own to treasure ...Marvin Thomas Cox

This is a beautiful book and a fast read. Kirk Douglas is so talented. Although we do not know him "personally" no one could write such books(I've read a few of his books) without thinking this is a beautiful person. The way he describes people, his children and his outlook on life is soadmirable and moving. He gives a new meaning to being a Jew as he searches, studies and finds what he needs in the religioun to give him hope and strength to carry on after his many tragedies in life (losing a son, his helicopter crash and of course his stroke). His poetry is so charming as he is. Kirk Douglas is a beautiful person outside and in and I wish I had met him in my lifetime.

Like all of Kirk Douglas' s books, I couldn't put it down. His poems are brief, unpretentious, and always hit their mark, adding much to the autobiographical stories of this fascinating man. My only disappointment is putting it down in just over an hour because it was finished.I hope the TV talk shows will have Mr. Douglas on as a guest to promote the book without adding one of his children to help speak for him. Mr. Douglas is still sharper and wittier than most talk show guests, and his myriad fans are quite willing to listen a little longer to speech he's valiantly recovered from a debilitating stroke to hear what he; not his son; has to say.

Ordered this book for my mother for her bday. She was very happy

There are very few memoirs from Hollywood actors that are positive all the way through. This is one of them. A pure delight. Fred Astaire's autobiography is another one, in case you are looking.

Very good short and interesting, I read it in an hour, couldn’t put it down.

haven,t finished reading it yet, but what i've read so far is great! The book is small and hard cover so it is easy to handle and has great pictures. I know I will enjoy it very much as I LOVE Kirk Douglas and have read most of his books.

Very fast read into the oh so interesting life of Kirk Douglas. His poetry is lovely and reflects his beautiful outlook on life. And the photos make you smile. Enjoy!

Heart warming, intelligent, sensitive, a story of a man who knows what hardship is, but also how to enjoy your blessings .... thought I had a tough upbringing, but not after reading his book about the ragman's son .... would recommend this one also to anyone who doesn't take themselves too serious .... who are humble at heart .... and try to make sense out of this crazy world .... He was/is lucky, there is a fighter in him, although I was quite touched to read how easily he wanted to end his life just after a stroke, but thankfully a toothache prevented it.... :)

There cannot be many Kirk Douglas in high esteme. May be a little overly sentimental it is still a wonderful read and keepsake. The quality of the book itself is excellent especially for the price. I see it as looking inside a beautiful mind and love that has endured for decades. I heartily recommend this little gem to you.

I read this in a one hour sitting but boy was it memorable! This is a wonderful little book which was written with a lot of soul and love. I was completely enchanted by it.

very good

Excellent!