⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Five big stars to author and poet Sherry L. Ross for her exquisite book of poetry, Falling Through Time. ♥
Find Falling Through Time here:
https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Through-Time-Sherry-Ross/dp/0578996790/
Let this poet’s words fall into your heart and soul. – I first learned of this book of poetry on Instagram when the author read selected pieces in videos posted there. With her lyrical voice and exquisite writing, I fell in love with “Falling Through Time” by Sherry L. Ross.
I typically do not seek out poetry, but it’s as if the universe itself tapped me on the shoulder and directed me to pay attention to this work of art. When it was released, I purchased two paperback copies: one for myself and another to give to my mother as a Christmas present last year. She told me later that she really enjoyed the poems in the Cosmic Time section. This didn’t surprise me as the author explained in the book’s Introduction that Cosmic Time contained poetry exploring her own philosophical and spiritual beliefs. I can imagine that resonating with my mother.
The book is divided into three sections: Relative Time, Story Time, and Cosmic Time. Poems in the Relative Time section are more autobiographical and those listed under Story Time are fictional works or, according to the author, “intentionally embellished autobiography.”
“Fear of the Dark,” a short poem falling under the Relative Time section, is one of my favorites. In only a few lines, the author moves from a sunny scene with a soundtrack blending the clacks of a typewriter and her mother’s soft singing, to an unknown nighttime song that teaches the child to be afraid. I highlight this poem because I believe it reveals two great talents of the author: evoking emotion with only a small amount of carefully selected words while allowing space for the reader to participate in the poetry by imagining what was left unwritten.
“For Gregory, An Early Memory of My Son” allows the reader to imagine that mother’s day long ago. Perhaps she held tightly to his little hand, not knowing the future but marveling at his young interpretation of the world. The poem looks back on that moment, and the last two lines reveal Gregory is gone. With tears in my eyes, I reread the poem in wonder. How very different it must be to write these lines instead of being the one to only read them.
The author is willing to explore darker themes as well as the deeper ones. In the Story Time section, you’ll find “The Wolf Boy, A Terrible Nightmare of Infanticide” (darker) and will be fascinated with the startling imagery. In the Cosmic Time portion of the book, you will read poems like “In All Directions” – so deeply and meaningfully written that you just might set the book down and take a moment to think about your own path as you travel through life’s stages.
Truly, it’s impossible to choose a favorite poem in “Falling Through Time,” but if forced, “In All Directions” is the one that made me contemplate my own existence. The author put words to the feelings that rush through me when I consider my time on Earth. The poem made me realize that others can feel like I do. I’m not alone.
Ross informs the reader in her introduction that the book contains contemporary free verse poetry, poems that rhyme, narrative poetry, and even sonnets and haiku. I prefer free verse poems, but I can also appreciate and admire the skill it takes to produce the other types listed here.
This book of poetry is extremely moving. It’s a gift you should purchase for yourself, and like me, also order copies for the poetry lovers in your life. They will not be disappointed. I rarely suggest paperbacks over ebooks, but I recommend that you consider ordering a book you can hold in your hands and savor over time. It will be a book you pull from your shelf as the days pass, and you will page through and find the words that speak to you at just the right… Time.
An easy five stars to “Falling Through Time” and poetess Sherry L. Ross. Thank you for sharing your art with the world! Bravo!
Leave a Reply