Book of Poems by Phyllis Sunday is a collection of poems that connects you with the power and flow of imagery and suggestion as only well-written poetry can. There are twenty poems on a variety of subjects, yet you’ll recognize in them all the common thread called life. In addition, there are wonderful declarations to God that are well worth bookmarking. The author’s poems aren't filled with lots of allusions that require research, so you can easily understand the personal message that is yours to gain from each of these contemplations.

In Book of Poems, Phyllis Sunday’s writing style renders the rhythm and voice of these works as effortless. You relate to the truths within them because that truth already resides in your psyche, and it’s wonderful to have it stimulated or lured from its abiding place in such a comfortable manner. Among my favorites was “The Storm.” The author writes about Nature’s phenomenon in a way that speaks not so much of the weather as it does of the tumult within, and during those times when you feel this internal raging, you can read this poem and let its voice be a friend who understands what you’re going through.

I thought “The Devil?” was humorous yet right on target. I also enjoyed “Recurring Dream.” The author describes one with such poetic accuracy that you’ll feel yourself once again in the clutches of one of these robbers of restful sleep. My favorite is “Wellspring.” There is a double meaning to this poem, depending on your background. Yet whether its meaning is literal, symbolic or both, you are refreshed from reading it. I am glad to have encountered this book, and I invite anyone who enjoys inspirational poetry to read this collection.

Book of Poems is a collection of inspirational poetry written by Phyllis Sunday. Her poems cover a wide range of topics which include her religious faith, current events and culture, dreams, and her role as an educator and teacher. The poem Happiness begins the collection, and it seems to summarize her outlook on life. It's followed by a compelling free verse work entitled The Storm, wherein she employs repetition of key words and phrases, word choices that create sensory images and sounds relating to the topic, and a taut, staccato rhythm. Sunday's dream poems are deeply personal and filled with a wistful sense of wonder, even when those recurring dreamscapes are fraught with peril. Her collection concludes with the poem I am a Teacher. Her bold and committed vision of her profession is reflected in the language she employs. Her sense of self is married to the verbs she employs to make her story a dynamic, dedicated, and powerful one.

Phyllis Sunday's inspirational poetry collection, Book of Poems, sparkles with hidden gems and dynamic word paintings. The Storm effortlessly captured my imagination. Sunday's use of sound and structure rather than rhyme works perfectly for her message, which is very personal and often profound. I think my favorite piece is Recurring Dream I, which is filled with marvelous images and movement as the young child is, "tumbling/down/into a dark/and deep/canyon/filled with/little flashing/lights,/like fireflies." The sonorous qualities of the dark and deep canyon are instantly dispelled by the light and the use of alliteration, which makes it tangible to the careful reader. This poem seems epic in scope and time as the child tries again and again to climb out of that canyon. It's a striking and memorable piece that showcases the power and potential in this poet's work. While I was not as taken with her devotional poems as the rest of the collection, I found much that dazzled, pleased, and delighted me. Book of Poems is recommended.

Thank you, Nandita, Kathy, and Jack for the book review.