I’m Thinking…

By Michaellee James

I’M THINKING… is a rare collection of poems that explores common emotions and experiences that appeal to people of various age groups, cultural backgrounds, and social statuses. This new book of poetry artfully renders the author’s struggles and accomplishments in her unique life circumstances.

It is entertaining, conversational, and inspiring.

I’M THINKING… is rooted in the poet’s differing perspectives as: a child who was written off by the main stream educational system; a teacher now entrusted with helping children to pursue their destiny; a university lecturer who supported student teachers and a parent and grandparent determined to leave a lasting legacy. Most importantly, this book conveys the heart of someone who has emerged victoriously from the effects of debilitating past experiences.

Strong metaphors and description demonstrate the integrity of the speakers in these Philosophical poems. I’m Thinking … is a mosaic fi tting together West Indian and English cadence. – Clarion reviews Relentlessly optimistic and tirelessly gracious. Her debut collection takes up the galloping themes of transcending limitations and defying expectations. Inspirational, exhorting hard work, self-belief, generosity and gratitude. – Kirkus Reviews James starts strong, with ‘Reckless Portrait’ featuring powerful metaphors in reality verses. – Blueink Review

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Aug 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481796781

Michaellee James

Michaellee James was born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. She was an extremely ill, premature baby. Her circumstances greatly affected her early educational achievement. By the age of fourteen, she still could not read. Her years at primary and secondary school were, by any standards, very difficult, and most times she was deemed hopeless. With will and determination, the help and encouragement of her parents, siblings, and just one teacher who believed in her, she systematically achieved far above the expectations of her teachers and peers. Having overcome her early childhood impediments, she began working as a payroll clerk in one of the country’s leading methanol companies and subsequently attended the Valsayn Teachers College in Trinidad and Tobago. She was later awarded a Teacher’s Diploma and began her career as a qualified teacher. Michaellee went on to attend the University of Westminster, where she obtained a postgraduate degree in Psychology and a Graduate Membership with The British Psychological Society. She was then appointed as a Visiting Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the London Metropolitan University. Having acquired a keen interest in law, Michaellee studied at The University of North London. There she obtained a Bachelor (Hons) Degree in Education and also completed her postgraduate law degree. She successfully completed the legal studies needed to become a Barrister at Law in England and Wales while attending the Inns of Court School of Law. She was subsequently ‘Called to the Bar,’ and is presently a member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. Michaellee is devoted to her work in the field of education, and over the years, her contributions have made a difference in the educational achievements of numerous children. As an author and poet, Michaellee is original, precise, and compelling. Her observations and expressions are genuine and insightful, characterised by her rich West Indian cultural upbringing and her integration into life in London, England over the last twenty years. Her audience will find this book to be distinctive, refreshing, and entertaining.

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© 2013 by Michaellee James. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/19/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9660-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9677-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-9678-1 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the poet and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

About the Poet

Michaellee was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in a rural village called Indian Trail. She was kept at home because she was an ill, premature baby with a low level of immunity. She developed an extremely strong attachment to her mother and never settled into primary school. At the age of 14 she still could not read, nor could she spells her name. Her experiences at school were difficult and heart breaking yet, exemplary and uplifting.

Despite her setbacks, in 1992 she went on to attend The University of North London and in 1995 obtained a Bachelor Honours Degree in Education. In 2003 she acquired a Post Graduate Degree in Psychology from The University of Westminster, along with Graduate Membership with The British Psychological Society. At that point, Micheallee became interested in the legal system, in particular Employment/Education Law. By 2003, she successfully completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Law, at London Metropolitan University and by 2005, was accepted into Inns of Court School of Law, in the city of London. There she attained the required professional legal studies for Barristers at Law, in England and Wales and was Called to the Bar in October 2006. Presently a member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, Michaellee is also an entrepreneur supporting children in learning and highly appreciated for her tremendous contribution to education.

As an Author and Poet, Michaellee is original, precise and compelling in her conversations. Her expositions and expressions are genuine and insightful and are characterized by her rich cultural West Indian upbringing and her integration into life in London, England in the last twenty years.

Inspiration for Writing this Book

In February 2012, I wrote my first poem which was the entitled,’The Cold Prickled Floor’. Having done so, I was inspired to write a number of other poems. These poems emanated from the memories of my experiences as a child unto adulthood. As I continue to interact with people from vastly different walks of life, interestingly, one of the things I continue to observe is the timelessness of some of life’s events.

Some situations plunged me into despair but the rigours of such events were meant to restore self belief and also to provide stepping stones on the path of my destiny. I share this literature, with the aim of inspiring hope and laughter and the resolve to succeed, regardless of life’s circumstances.

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