My review for, “Spirals Of Nature.”
To say this is a beautiful collection isn't enough. Erika Staples’ ability to convey the depth and frankness of her emotions in a rich poetic collection is simply amazing. “Spirals Of Nature”, is a collection of powerful poems, which draw you in, touch every emotion, and is an inspirational look at Erika’s perseverance through life’s many challenges. Like a fine artist, Erika brilliantly paints a picture conveying her innermost thoughts and feelings about life, motherhood, family and her courageous confidence to endure with spiritual guidance of the Lord.
Her naked approach is frank, open, thought provoking and a must read, but more importantly something to be treasured and shared. Through her words we see a brilliant artist and confident woman emerge; a woman wiser than her years. She gives us hope through her inspiration, perseverance, and confidence. A few of her poems are pained with life’s adversities and struggles so much so they will bring you to tears. Between handfuls of tissue you will applaud with admiration for her bravery, her struggles with the rage of losing a loved one, and even find yourself relating to her sincere desires for true love to find her.
Her conflicting desires are obvious in an excerpt from her poem “Secrets”, when she says,
“Yet nothing keeps me here,
everything pushes me away.
My heart has been pierced by a spear
of contradicting thoughts of wanting to stay”.
Her word choices match her honest emotions. She clearly conveys her challenges of life as seen in an excerpt from her poem, “Steps of Life”,
I’m walking up the stair case,
blinded by life.
The end is not seen
but each step taken in faith.
One step, then another,
each day of my life.
Though her poetry delves deeply into a wide variety of emotions, she presents this poetic canvas in a straightforward manner. Whether in rhyme or free verse, her style of poetry has rhythmic qualities which flows easily like a paintbrush over a smooth canvas.
I highly recommend, “Spirals Of Nature”. Through Erika’s poetry we find commonality with her insights into life’s ever changing struggles and emotional challenges that often spiral out of our control.
Review by :
Donna L. Sheehy
Author and Poet of
“Romancing on the Bay of Fundy” |
