In and Out of Love

This is a lovely collection of poems which mark stages in the life of the author, Shelley Thrasher. The early poems cover a burgeoning awareness of her sexuality and the longing which comes from this awakening. There are crushes and heartbreak along her road of discovery and the poems reflect her moods with beautiful imagery, words of wonder, sensuality and at times raw emotion. The final poems reflect her long term relationship with the woman she loves. They are filled with the peace and joy the author has found with her partner.

I liked the way the poems flowed from early crushes through “rough spots” and on to contentment. The opening tribute to Thrasher’s friend Cate Culpepper, Closing the Curtains, sets the tone for the entire anthology. I have my favourites, often the angry with an ex-lover poems and also the ones fill with wonder and discovery. I found myself highlighting one after another. This is one anthology I won’t be deleting from my various devices. It was a pleasure to read.
Here are some sneak previews I especially enjoyed.

After-Course
“What is this magic spell you’ve woven over me?”
“Sex,” she said.
“Pure and simple?”
“Pure, at least,” she said.
“But not simple.”

Bruised
My purple heart,
a boxing bag
battered by your bare fists.

Bonding
We talked around the clock,
with lips,tongues,
hands,bodies.

Making Love
Your rose-petal hands
move,tease,caress-
make me bloom.


ARC received with thanks from Sapphire Books Publishing via NetGalley for review.