FIVE SPECIAL HEARTS

Walk Softly: You’re Steppin’ On My Heart

Pat Brannon

Take a journey within the heart and soul of the author and hear the stories, prayers and thoughts as the author explores her feelings, fears, struggles and life’s gifts in this heartfelt collection of poems: Walk Softly: You’re Steppin’ On My Heart. At times we hear her voice as she tells of the hard times she endured, the experiences whose endings were unexpected and where life’s road with his its many curves and blindsides has taken her. Each step of the way she gained hope, wisdom and with prayer she grew stronger. Honoring our mothers one day a year does not seem to be enough yet some do for just 24 hours a year. Mothers are precious and those that are still here the color red reminds you that they are with you and white means that your mother has been called home. The hardest day of my life was the day my mom was called home but the memories that she left within my heart will live on forever. Some will make the effort to see their mothers on this one day and drive long distances with some will not. As the author continues in the poem titled “Mothers,” she reminds us that Mother is the name for “love and goodness.” She continues by reminding us how our mother believe in us when no one else does and for making sure that we do not all down and helping us rise up when we falter. This is such a special poem and you can feel the emotion in each stanza and the love in each word. For those lucky to still have their mothers as she states” It’s more than just one day.” You need to honor your mother every day. The second poem that follows is “Aching Hearts, Empty Chair.” This poem reminds the reader how difficult it is at holiday time when a loved one’s chair is empty or filled by another person. Yet, the author reminds us that the missing person in this case their mother will be singing carols wherever she is and you will hear her in your heart. “Father Knows Best,” seems to follow as he remembers his wife, the loss so very knew and the good times he and his family had with this special person. Next, “Imperfect World,” which I found quite compelling as the first three poems I spotlighted dealt with the loss of a mother where this one tells of a mother’s loss of her husband who no longer wants to be part of her life. Although the losses are quite different the impact is still somewhat the same. Sadness, heartache and the breaking up of a home and what it does not just to the mother but the children’s lives too. This is one poem that tells a really heartfelt story that everyone should read to understand the heartbreak when parents separate for good. “Wondering Apology,” tells the story about a mother who evaluates her job or life as a mother, hopes that she has taught her children well and asks the Lord forgiveness for her imperfections and hopes he accepts her apology. “Watchful Eyes,” is really quite telling as the author reminds everyone that we should watch our words and monitor our actions. She tells how she knows that someone is watching her, all of us Day and Night and seeing if she falters or fails. Reminding us that she had a God that loves her and she will always be active in his service.

There are so many poems that have so many different meanings “My America,” is beautiful it describes in the four short stanzas how precious our country our land is to her and that it is a place for everyone where “ achievements meet quests,” and that our America is the best. I think we all need to appreciate it more.

In each poem you can hear the author’s voice as he tells of her love of God, her family, her feelings of despair, anger and confusion. Losing a child is devastating and being able to move on with your life takes hope and strength. The poem “Letting Go,” reveals a mother’s love for a dying child and the miracle of his birth, the sadness that will remain in her heart and the courage to understand. Children are miracles from God and losing a child is “beyond imagination. Letting go: the hardest part. Read Letting Go to understand how she uses God’s love, which is unconditional to let go. The feeling of loneliness and having no one can really tug at your heart and your soul when you see a stranger that needs a friend. “A Heart’s Tug Away, is a beautiful story vividly depicted as you walk in the snow long with this man as someone comes up to this stranger and becomes a friend. A man whose life is filled with the death of his wife, the loss of his home, the loneliness of having no family and then someone whose friendship he might learn to accept. Making a difference at Christmas time. Holiday time. The final question: WILL YOU!

Each poem focuses on real life issues that we all face every day but it is how we deal with these issues, these stress that will help us survive and heal. Some of the other poems that I found quite compelling are: Through My Children’s Eyes, Changing Lives, One Hug at a Time and Choices. Finally, the one poem The Gift of Life which says it all. Life’s road is not always smooth and we have to understand what happens when as she states we “crash and burn.” The twists and turns we encounter every day will teach us many lessons and allow us to grow. “Be thankful for each precious breath given by the King of kings.” So many compelling poems each telling a special story or relating a special message and each one that will hold a different meaning for everyone.

Read The Victor, The Master’s Touch and Carat Before the Horse where the author reminds us of the meaning of homeliness, hunger, unemployment and hard times. These are just some of the poems in this outstanding collection told from the heart.

Fran Lewis: reviewer