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Reader Reviews for "WHISPERS OF LIFE"

Reviewed by Laurel Johnson	7/13/2003
Shirley Johnson is the author of several published books - A Divorced Mother Talks to God was her first. Two delightful children's books, Billy Brimly and Red and His Fur Hat quickly followed. This time, Ms. Johnson has given us a book of poetry. True to everything she does, Whispers of Life is a gift from the heart of a woman of faith. The book is divided into several topics. The first group of poems addresses her thoughts and feelings after our national tragedy of 9/11. In "Another Day" she captures clearly what so many of us were thinking on that awful day: I sit and try to hide the tears I'm still not sure what happened here My world is shattered in pieces now I hear a plane and hit the ground In "Dear America" she writes from the spirit of an American serviceman who now fights the war in Iraq: Dear America, remember me I fight on the battlefield for Liberty I stand proud for the Country I love I am your brother, your father, your son "I Know This Evil" is one of my favorites because of its quiet eloquence: You've come to kill us, our very souls To take our loved ones and cause us woes To rip our hearts to tiny bits And use our tears to fuel your ships It isn't only her thoughts on terrorism and war the author shares with us. Tender tributes to her family and friends comprise the second segment of Whispers of Life. All are touching and thought provoking paeans to the people she loves in life or remembers in death. In the final segment, she ponders life and all its many trials. "Fleeting Life" expresses well her thoughts: Why are these things always hidden And not revealed till our eyes grow dim The things that we deemed so important Mean nothing at the end I could continue quoting, but will end this review with an excerpt from "Horses and Missiles": Leaders are dignified, but ready to fight Smiling broadly, eyes dark as night Innocent bystanders watching their gaze Not wanting at all to be a ploy in the game Refugees, hunger, disease and the like Socialite dinners, food by candlelight Whispers of Life is a hearts cry against injustice, a pleading question to the Almighty God who says He loves us all, and a gentle protest at how swiftly life defeats us. Her poems are simple and rhyming, intense with sorrow and joy. If you like poetry you don't have to decipher, rhymes that will bring tears and smiles, you will want to read this book. Laurel Johnson Midwest Book Review