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Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
Lies, the first poem in the first section of verse entitled “Perceived,” is a poem for every woman who has faced the disillusionment of a precarious love, confirming the fact that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Poet Shauna Cesar draws the perfect image of disappointment in romantic expectations of love and romance. Cesar moves through the levels of lust, joy, and heartbreak as only a person familiar with the emotions can. By the time readers reach the last two poems, Wanted and My Love, it is necessary to step away from her words and take a deep breath (or two or three) before digging into the second portion of verse. Reading these poems is much like an introspective look at the soul, raw and revealing.
Opening “Thoughts” with the calm of winter is necessary in quieting the heart rate fueled at this point in reading. Although this section of words seems to dwell on the harshness of reality, there exists a hope that is at the core of human desire. As Cesar explores the demons of solitude, she reveals the evil of physical and emotional loss; she breathes life into the very essence of these emotions.
Perceived Thoughts is an emotional roller coaster of thoughts and feelings existent in every human being. None of these poems can be read just once. The full impact is not noted without thorough attention to the profound meaning behind the poet’s words. The flow of the formatting of these poems is obvious in the development from first love to a self-awareness gained by the conclusion.
