A VOYAGE ON THE TIDES OF EMOTION

Wason takes a journey through love, grief, and growth in this collection of poems.

The author guides readers through a highly intimate evolution, exploring the prayers and private longings that forge inner strength. Drawing upon a blend of her own narrative voice and the experiences of other real and fictional figures, Wason pays homage to the universal nature of our most powerful feelings. To this end, the author lays bare the turmoil and pain of her grandmother’s death, her longing for a forbidden romantic connection, and the haunting memories of lost love. Not all of the works are focused on private pain: Themes of spiritual renewal and the constancy of God are interwoven throughout the text, reminding readers that joy and reciprocal love can be found along the rockiest shores of life. There are moments that pull readers in, giving rise to personal memories evoked by Wason’s words. A particularly powerful example is “Gethsemane,” in which the author recounts regretting dalliances in the face of deep, yet unrequited, love (“How I wish now, / That I had known you afore. / And how I wish now, / That there were no other faces before. / Then you would have been mine / And I yours. / Across previous lives and into this one, / And on to ever more”). Filled with soft and vibrant color illustrations created by the author, the book has a relatable and unpretentious feel. Featuring simple language and rhyme schemes that are easy to follow, the poems can be enjoyed by a diverse selection of readers, regardless of their familiarity with poetry. This approach allows the confessional nature of the poetry to shine, guiding readers through roiling passions, overwhelming fears, and the enduring comfort of faith.

A raw and relatable work of modern poetry.