Poetry has long been given a short drift. This, of course, is not news to anyone who loves or writes poetry. But what many people may not realize is that not all poems chant, or rap, or even drone dry sounding words. Epics and other stories from ancient times were forms of poetry or verse. This is because it is easier in the oral tradition to remember the story to pass down from one person to another, if there was some rhythm or beat to it. So here is a set of short poems that honor the roots they came from. And there is not a dull line in the bunch.

Ilona Heged?s enjoys science fiction, vampires, and horror stories. This is also the direction of her poetry takes her. She has illustrated and published this book herself. I can see why. It is very unusual and that, in itself, is what makes Unearthly Companion such a delight. But the collection of those readers who would enjoy this work is sadly small. Major houses, and even some small publishing houses, do not see selling a minimum of sixty-five thousand books to make back the cost of printing it. I do however hope Ms. Heged?s will take her work to various Science Fiction conventions, Filk Song gatherings (folk songs sung about sci-fi, horror and fantasy characters, places, and ‘cultures’), and the Speculative Poet society. I am sure she will find, if she has not already, an interested audience for her work.

Each poem is presented as a mini story: something very close to the oral tradition from which poetry emerged. The work is also "Westernized" in that there is a beginning, middle, and end. Her first poem/story “Ghost Story” is a delight. It incorporates a twist that some may see coming, but will still enjoy.

The story/poem “Deal” will leave you in shivers. “Do Not Jack Me In” will bring a rueful smile. Her poems cover the gamut of subjects and ideas. Nothing is safe from her probing pen. This is one wonderful work that has been printed and has thankfully not been left in the dark drawer.

I do, however, have one quibble. I found it distracting for her to have placed, after any poem that was published before, the date and year of publication. It interrupts the flow. I am not by any means suggesting she not show that her work is copyrighted. But an asterisk by the title and a bibliography placed in the back could have easily taken care of it. As I've said, it is a quibble of mine. Get Unearthly Companion and enjoy the stories. For even better enjoyment, read them out loud.

Reviewed By Nancy Louise
© April 2006