"When will you realize they are violating your rights/Respect yourself and get help/Now, today… DON’T WAIT."
 |
Sharon's Poems of Life, Love, and Liberty by Sharon Wiegand Trafford Publishing
book review by Mihir Shah
Sharon's Poems of Life of Life, Love, and Liberty is a stirring compilation of heartfelt and honest poetry that sheds light a multitude of topics, including but not limited to manmade disasters, aging, the human touch, malnutrition, domestic violence, depression, and much more. Wiegand does not meander with her words. On the contrary, she uses compelling and fluid prose to directly convey the thoughts that reside in her heart. The author undoubtedly is governed by emotion and personal experience in many of these poems. Only then can one have the ability to produce poetry with such transparency and clarity.
From the explosion of the Columbia space shuttle to the devastation wreaked by 9/11, audiences can feel the sincerity, admiration, and respect that Wiegand harbors for her country. In fact, numerous poems touch on the idea of growing talent within the United States rather than focusing efforts on improving the talent pool of another country—especially a country that refuses to appreciate what the U.S.A. is doing for them.
In later poems, particularly the three D's: "Domestic Violence," "Depression," and "Despair," Wiegand illustrates the disastrous impact of her own marred childhood and experiences with abuse. In response to domestic violence, Sharon responds with one of her most powerful and inspiring line: "Don't be a compromising statistic and end up on the evening news."
The poems, which seem to be written in phases, reveal a woman who desires the fountain of youth, while understanding the cycle of life, aging, dreams and the importance of being human. Poems such as "Getting Older," "Redemption," and "Freedom," are eye-opening whereas "Football" and "Halloween" will certainly illicit a smile.
Though Sharon Wiegand’s poetry collection encompasses the entire spectrum of life's subjects and philosophies, there is something special, a unique substance or voice in each poem. More than anything else, Wiegand's thought-provoking verses urge readers to appreciate one's life, one's loved ones, and the freedom that many are not so blessed to have in countries outside of America. The book is inspiring and insightful, certainly a must read.