Unique Times

I am delighted to share my review of Cheryl Batavia’s book, Earthly Days with you today. Cheryl’s poetry is awe inspiring. Each page turning poem penetrates your soul leaving footprints on your heart.

I’m sooooo excited my book just arrived after I posted this review. I only had the PDF of the book to read for review and have been waiting forever for it to arrive so I could post with my book in hand. I told Cheryl I’d wait a bit and of course right after I posted this, it arrived so I edited my post and added it so you could see the scale. It was worth the wait. It is 11 x 8 1/2, a lovely coffee table size that will charm your table beautifully. It was beyond my expectations.

Cheryl is a master poet using simple words that provoke the reader to remember their own stories through her enriching joyful life. Each poem reflects a part of her heart whether it be about her love of nature, the earth, her family or unity for all mankind.

I was honored when Cheryl asked me to review her book and to be included on the back cover. The cover in and of itself is stunning, beckoning you to open the pages and savor her beautiful poems and photographs while sailing through her adventures and the waters from which we came.

I couldn’t put Earthly Days down and smiled, laughed, and sighed as I read each word. Her love of human mankind, family, our earth, nature, and every living creature “burns memories into your brain” (a wonderful term she uses) and is what sets sail to her poetry. Her poems are artfully delivered through sonnets, rhyming and beautiful photography that speak to her love of our earth that we cohabit together, inviting us take care of her, before it’s too late. There is no better invitation than the richness of her words, encouraging us to do just that.

This 10 Star book is a must read!

Cheryl has been a blogging friend from Gulf Coast Poet for a long time, and it feels as though we live next door despite our physical distance. And it is evident from the comments on her blog that most of her followers feel the same. Her words are heartfelt, caring, intelligent and she asks thought provoking questions in all her writing opening us up to more depth and understanding into self and our world.  If this isn’t the ultimate objective of a good writer, I don’t know what is.  

Living in Florida puts her up-close and personal with her beautiful surroundings in nature and animal life. This compels her to be an advocate for our environment putting it front and center in her writing. It is what makes her plea for taking good care of the earth so relatable since we want the best planet possible for future generations to come.

As retired teacher, Cheryl makes writing look easy with her simplistic approach to weaving words with a powerful punch in a profound way. Each word is strung together organically yet methodically which takes time as she will tell you herself.  Each word leads you on an inner journey to self as she reflects on our environment, love of nature, animals, and human beings, especially her family. Her children and the love and soulmate of her life Robert, are the fuel that sustain her.

Dedication

Dedicated with love to my soulmate,

Robert Snyder

Cheryl is a seasoned writer and Earthly Days makes this her six published book that always leaves you longing for more. As a matter of fact, she has a seventh book, Life on the Blue Planet coming soon.  Not only that, she has three more books Hanging Out with Wild Animals which is a three-part series about her encounters with Florida animals with emphasis on our environment. Talk about inspiring!

Earthly Days has 54 poems with gorgeous photographs throughout her poetry, broken down into the five segments necessary for everyday living, much like the five senses which are so paramount for living a rich and meaningful life.

Perspectives, Love, Family, Nostalgia and Mother Nature

I Am the Moment

I am that flash of green as the sun goes down.
I am the crest of a wave before it breaks on the shore, a lightning bolt that ushers in a clap of thunder.

I am the moment of a butterfly’s first flight,
the rush of sea turtle hatchlings to the safety of the sea. I am the moment when lover’s eyes first meet.

I am that half-forgotten melody that lingers in your mind, a half-remembered dream that eludes you when you wake. I am that pang of regret for a kind word left unspoken.

I am the blink of an eye, the shadow of a smile.
I am that pivotal moment when opportunity knocks. I am the moment…and then I am gone.

Our little world envelops us in love, transcending chaos that surrounds us now, safe haven from Earth’s dark duplicity,
a green oasis, peace in desert heat.

Affection in your eyes, my hand in yours,
a gentle word, a loving touch…encouragement along our earthly path’s uncertainties. Your inner strength sustains my fainting heart.

When threats of war surround on every side… vile pestilence, pollution, and unrest, ambition fades, possessions matter less, but love endures, a desert rose.

Mother

A Desert Rose

Mother
is proud of you
for every step you take, picks you up every time you fall, cheers you on again and again, and builds your confidence to walk alone…
She’s proud!

Mother
hears your first word,
listens to all your dreams, gives advice, knowing that someday, you will surely recall
what Mother said…
She hears!

Mother
sees potential
when those around you doubt, has high hopes for you in tough times, even when you give up.
Always loves you…
Always!

Little Human vs. Global Destruction

Global Destruction, a villain about as bad as they come, believed his evil takeover plan was too big to be undone.

“What do I care, Little Human, for your miniscule potential? Do what little you can;
it’s quite inconsequential!”

Joy sprang like a weed
in the Little Human’s heart. He knew humans could succeed if they all did their part!

Her rich life experience, travel and adventure is truly what brings richness and depth to her poetry and writing. Her passion for poetry, zest for life, love of her family and humanity make the world a better place with her wisdom and kind heart.  She is an astute teacher in living life to the fullest and takes life as it comes facing each obstacle that comes her way.  Living in The Gulf of Florida she knows first-hand the destruction that comes from hurricanes surviving Hurricane Ivan.

Don’t miss these other Reviews by fellow bloggers
(if I missed any please let me know in comments)

That Bird by Kritika

Aspiring Blog AB by Ritish Sharma

Kaushal Kishore KK

Interview of Cheryl by That bird Kritika

Reviews Selma Martin

Selma Martin’s Website is here

Da-AL Between Tails by da-AL review and Podcast

Earthly Days is now available in Paperback and Kindle

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

This is a wonderful book to gift for the holidays and the photographs make beautiful keepsakes for poetry readers alike. Do yourself a favor by purchasing one for yourself and one as a gift and help change the world one poem at a time.

Photo by Jorge Vasconez on Unsplash

Blessings for a Better Tomorrow and Always Love,

💗

Cindy

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All Rights Reserved