Echoes from the Stream

Echoes from the Stream is a collection of thoughts that appear in the author's mind through the quiet flowing of the stream. The author associates with nature as a source of healing, hope and encouragement and emphasizes that the natural environment provides succor when one is in a state of pessimism. The stream as a voice of nature is the strongest inspiration for the author. Going through a state of despondency herself, the author shares how one can find joy in the midst of the vicissitudes of life. The poems in the first part of the collection are a celebration of the life of a deceased mother who gave herself totally to her family and society. The pains that her loved ones feel about her cannot be compared to the joy she provided by her footsteps in the sand of time and this continues to bring hope to the children after her demise. It shows that no matter how powerful death is, some things can kill the pains of death. It is a reflection of hope in the midst of despair. The second part of the collection, Africa is Home, describes nostalgic feelings for Africa, which is the home of the poet. Despite the glamour of a foreign country and all its endowment, the longing for home seems to be preponderant in her mind; some things always make you long for home wherever you might be. The third part of the collection is a general expression about the new experiences of life gathered across the Atlantic and how things are different. It celebrates this new society with its distinct culture. -Ron Schaefer