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Reviewing this book of poetry is like reviewing raw emotion – as it’s impossible (and inherently wrong) to review another’s pain, or joy, or anger, or lived experience – all that can be done is to consider the reach, or “trueness” of the words expressed in their journey to make real or shareable some aspect of the author’s felt world.

And on that note, this book cannot fail to impress.

In the lovely words of the author herself, consider the poem “Do Not”:

“Woman your heart is golden,
Your story is beautiful,
Your testimony is powerful.

Do not be discouraged
By the opinion of the critic
Who has never
Felt the hot sand in your shoes”

The poems in this collection tell the story of an emotional passage, and take the form of a vivid word-stream organized in a sequence that flow from the authors’ initial out-pouring of oppression, despair, pain and anger, followed by a gradual awareness of healing. The author reveals first a tightening and retreat and then a freeing and a loosening, opening the door to a set of new connections observed and finally celebrated as she ultimately finds her way to hope and a renewed emotional (spiritual) footing.

Within the poems themselves, as well as built into the sequencing of the story told, there is a brutal intensity, couched in a natural cadence and rhythm that is compelling and deeply stirring. Each poem is sparsely worded; written with care taken to make every word count.

Many of these poems spoke to me directly – some more so than others, as some shared experience, some resonance, hit its mark, and I found myself going back, often, to re-read and re-experience the rush of certain lines.

Highly recommended to poetry lovers everywhere, it’s hard not to be touched by this engaging and fluid collection, some of which, if you’re at all like me, will find its way into the deepest corners of your heart.

A big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.