Echoes of the Soul: A Collection of Poems

By Arianne Ruth Anderson

In Echoes of the Soul, Arianne shares on

Roots
Friends and Friendship
Love
Motherhood
Hard Times
Prayer
Life and Death

These poems deliver

hard truths
stark realities
deep contemplations,
sincere conclusions
springs of hope

with the unsparing candor of the poet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781450281010

Arianne Ruth Anderson

Arianne Ruth Anderson Arianne processes her life experiences through poetry from the heart. Then, for our viewing pleasure, she presents in beautiful display-cases of verse and rhyme, her precious nuggets mined from mountain tops as well as deep pits. Also, from clear goblets of her own intricate design, she refreshes us with sparkling water distilled from the nectar of her blooming. As well, Arianne processes and interprets life for others through poetry on request. Many of those close to Arianne, blessed by her rare gift, have pressed their demand - not only for the perfect poem to perfect each occasion - but also for Arianne’s first anthology to be published. This book goes beyond simply answering that demand. It promises much more for a much wider audience. The island of Jamaica is the physical setting of these poems. This is where Arianne lives, teaches and raises her son, Nathaniel. However, the poems in this book are universal in their inspiring appeal. Through these poems, all may share the experiences of a unique young woman overcoming singular challenges and heralding sweet victory; crying and laughing and loving and praying … working her way through life with the aid of a remarkable tool - her poetry! - M. Evangeline Anderson Author of Changing Worlds: Diary of a Jamaican-Canadian Experience

Book preview

Contents

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Chapter 1

 For Nathaniel

 For Grandpa W

 For Grandma W

 For Grandma A

 For Dad

 For Sean

 For Gail

 For Deb

 For Joseph

 For Mom

Chapter 2

 To a Friend

 A Little Rhyme

 If Ever You’re Alone

 You Deserve the World

 Friendship is a Journey

 A Friend in Need

 Being a Friend Indeed

 Girlfriends

 Lend an Ear

 Myself In Your Place

 When You Live in a Dream

 I Lift You Up, My Sister

 One Day to Live

Chapter 3

 All I Need

 Young Love

 When Love Woke Me Up

 Jump in, Don’t Fall

 Waiting at the Door

 I Found You in the Shadow

 My One Regret

Chapter 4

 Fruit of my Womb

 Precious Miracles

 I Saw My Child

 Blessing for Your Baby

 For Mother

Chapter 5

 In the Valley of the Shadow

 In Times of Doubt

 Peace in the Storm

 As You Journey

 All I See

 Right There

 You’re Not Alone

 Never, and Always

 Be Still and Wait

 LOVE will save

 Press Onward…Happiness Heals

 Hope Floats

 Tower of Strength

Chapter 6

 Peace, Be Still

 On Bended Knees

 Surrender

 Please, Lord…

 Prayer for You

 Prayer For You, My Sister

 Beseeching Heaven

Chapter 7

 Today I Salute

 The Day May Be Over, But…

 RIP Leighton

FOREWORD

The poems in this book are only a tiny fraction of those written by Arianne Ruth Anderson in her young life. They speak for themselves of family, friendship and love… trials, testing and stretching… as well as growing faith in a God who is closer than a brother.

In addition to these poems, Arianne has written countless others for friends, relatives, colleagues, occasions, productions, and Facebook friends. She has become known in her circles as a certain source of poetry on demand, as well as a likely source of poetic surprises for those in need of soothing words. This gifting has proven a channel of encouragement for various individuals, bringing a balm for respite in their situations.

Some of the poems in this book were simply the outflow of Arianne’s compassionate heart toward her fellowman, and many persons speak of benefitting from her kindness. Also, certain poems are vividly descriptive, giving us snapshots, footage, and even glimpses into the hearts of individuals living - and dying - in Jamaica’s turbulent times.

Yet, other poems in this anthology flowed from the poignancy of the personal experiences and challenges of Arianne’s own youth. These experiences have sensitized her thoroughly to the emotions of others, and also led her to the conclusive advice that she so generously shares.

With poetry as a hobby, Arianne pursues a successful teaching career, earning the gratitude of countless parents and the affection of successive classes of students. In the schools where she has worked, Arianne’s creativity has ignited speech and drama clubs, given leadership to school