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Look beyond the surface of these poems to discover the treasure beneath!

Synopsis

From prom & college acceptances to heartbreak and personal loss, Diana Haemer’s second book of poetry represents her life’s work. Sensing is an autobiographical journey that encapsulates the essences of nature, love, loss, and family exploring a variety of poetic styles (villanelles, sonnets, haikus, et al). Written over the span of six years, this book is a collection of moments: she details what it means to grow from the pressures of being a competitive figure skater into a self-assured young adult. She tells of her travels through time and space with a distinct honesty and openness, convincing readers of her truths in a soft yet beautiful way.

If you have ever wanted to give an ode to a mailbox, then Diana Haemer’s newest poetry book, Sensing, might be for you! This is Diana’s second poetry book; her first is The Sands of Time. Diana is a former figure skater, a student of science, and a literary fiend. When she is not writing poetry, she likes playing piano, knitting, baking, and figure skating.


Diana has organized her poems under five headings. They represent nature, musings, growing up, love, and heroes. The poems vary in style and length. The topics range from snow to the ocean, to solitude, tears, prom, the virus, puppy love, Gramma, and so much more.


Diana has chosen some unique topics to use as poems. For example, I have never discovered a poem about iced tea before. While this may seem like a fluff piece, I believe the lyrics are more meaningful than what they appear to be at the surface level. She also writes about things currently going on with our country, such as the racial division that runs rampant. She says in one poem, “Color merely serves As a process by which the world Has sorted us And who are we to care?”

 

One thing that I believe would have made this book more interesting, would be to include some illustrations, to enhance the reading of this book. I do not mean big, bold images. As an example, “Ode to Mailbox” could have had a doodle of a mailbox or just a sketch of one. Just something to represent the whole of the poem. Not every poem would need an image, as some would be hard to depict. As an example, “That Kind of Thunder.”


My favorite poem was “an ocean of endless wonder” as it transports me to the beach. However, it is not a light and fluffy piece, it is actually pretty deep. For example, “The darkness of the sandy floor And deepness of the wave troughs Frighten me with their mystery – Do I dare to venture into the unknown?” My second favorite was “Who I Am.” Diana explains exactly who she is, but you can feel the emotion behind the poem.

 

I recommend Sensing to anyone who enjoys poetry. It is a fairly quick read, depending on how long you chose to contemplate the meaning of each poem! There is not any profanity or objectionable content in Sensing. I believe it would be suitable from about high school age on up. It would be a great addition to any home, school, or public library.

 

 

Reviewed by

I am an avid book reader (book addict), I could literally spend all day reading and not get bored. I love learning new things through reading. *I prefer conservative books without profanity or explicit content.*

Synopsis

From prom & college acceptances to heartbreak and personal loss, Diana Haemer’s second book of poetry represents her life’s work. Sensing is an autobiographical journey that encapsulates the essences of nature, love, loss, and family exploring a variety of poetic styles (villanelles, sonnets, haikus, et al). Written over the span of six years, this book is a collection of moments: she details what it means to grow from the pressures of being a competitive figure skater into a self-assured young adult. She tells of her travels through time and space with a distinct honesty and openness, convincing readers of her truths in a soft yet beautiful way.

Nature

Snow

Sometimes I watch the cool white snow

Fall with smoothness and grace:

I have entered winter's embrace

Which rocks me to and fro.

 

 


 Ode to a Mailbox

It stood there stoically 

Engulfed in millions of snowflakes –

The peaceful white covering 

Untouched for miles

 

In the life of winter

Snow fell in inches

Then yards

Then miles… 

One at a time

Snowflakes headed towards the driveway

Greedily blanketing it

 

The inches I must walk 

Are marathons to my amateur runner

 

When the flakes cease to fall

And the air slowly thaws,

I will bear another trip to you;

The agony of waiting

Is too much to bear –

What news do you hide, if any at all?

Mailbox, you hold the truth.

 

 

 


That Kind of Thunder

When you feel it rattling in your bones

When you sense its sound waves crashing on your horizon –

 

That makes your ears pop and ring until the next crack

That makes you instinctively shudder –

 

Where you cannot count until the gunshot’s arrival

Where your heart stops and the rhythms do not interfere.

 

 

  


Chemical Reaction of Burning Wood

The reactant was strolling by

And, suddenly stopping, let out a cry

“It is the phase change, that impish jester –

Could she not find another to pester?”

But alas, he was already dry

And the gleeful fire danced for the sky.

 

 

 


 Halfway Heated

Mercury:

Ever double-sided, the sun

Rests on only half

Causing extremes 

To unusually exist without

Causing problems,

Yet this harmony breeds no life.

 

 


Human Fault

In Orion’s belt

Stars are perfectly aligned

Mocking our talents

 



 Backyard Oasis

Whispers of coolness

Pass across the shaded deck

In deep secrecy



LCL

The sweet iced tea sweats

Melting, evaporating

Up to join the clouds



Cherry blossoms

Sweet cherry blossoms

Moving softly in the wind

Causing much traffic



Other sections are called "Musings," "Growing Up," "Love," and "Heroes."

 

Diana Haemer
Diana Haemer shared an update on Sensingover 3 years ago
over 3 years ago
Less than 12 HOURS until my book officially launches! Make sure to order a copy ASAP :)

1 Comment

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Diana HaemerHello everyone! I am the author of Sensing, a book that I’ve worked very hard over 6 years to finalize and release into the world. Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy reading ❤️
over 3 years ago
About the author

Diana is an enthusiastic & introspective poet who has been writing poetry for 10 years. Her work has been published in several print & online literary reviews, and she has two books: The Sands of Time (published 2020 by Local Gems Press) and Sensing (published 2021 by Atmosphere Press). view profile

Published on June 12, 2021

Published by Atmosphere Press

10000 words

Genre:Poetry

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