Title: Heed the Heart
Author: Wendy Negley
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: 979-8252642604
Pages: 128
Genre: Poetry
Reviewer: Carol Davala
Pacific Book Review
Heed the Heart is the third book of poetry by Wendy Negley. Negley, herself would describe the collection in a brief elevator pitch as “A book of poems about love, death, and other stuff.” Thus, in her offering this encapsulated volume to readers, she divides the work into three sections with each of the aforementioned labelings.
In the title verse that opens the ‘Love’ section of her book, Negley speaks to the truth of always following your heart. This adage and the concept of being true to yourself, stand as the core belief of Negley’s shared thought. “In A Pivotal Moment” exemplifies a relationship that changed everything. Here, giving her hand in commitment, life took on a new dimension. The words of “Under My Skin” describe an unforgettable individual, even when he’s not around.
Negley’s poetry is written in a variety of styles from free form lines, two line rhyming sequences like “The Reality of You” that embodies the feel of an encircling home or nest, or second and fourth line rhyming patterns such as “Living For Your Kiss” where Negley describes how life can be dull and boring, but waiting for the moment of lips joining makes it all worth it.
While some poems are a reflection of Negley’s lengthy marriage to her husband Dennis, where “Anniversary” marks their 48 year milestone with their partnership like an easy dance where they know one another’s moves, others reflect another relationship that occurred with an early co-worker. Losing touch, they reconnected years later after Dennis’ passing and verses reflect the rekindled union. The poems “Year Two” and “Year Three” appear to mark this resurfaced joining.
Negley’s poems reflecting on death compare this eternal threshold to enveloping arms or floating with the stars, a relief from pain and suffering, or memories of loved ones. ‘Other Stuff’ taps into thoughts on nature, and family, while several verses suggest looking at life head on, enjoying the moment, and appreciating what you have.
Each of the book’s 3 sections is prefaced with a related quote. These include words of Mahatma Gandhi expounding “Where there is love, there is life”; Jorge Luis Borges’ profound description of death as “infinity closing in”; and the anonymous passage about life being about “learning to dance in the rain.”
Negley’s poems are easy to read and focus on relatable topics. Her words are honest, poignant, and she writes with an open heart. Though many of these selections are personal to the author, they are thematically universal and will speak to a wide audience. Negley encourages readers to listen to the voice within and discover the beauty hidden in both joy and sorrow. This inspiring collection is a companion for anyone navigating life’s journey with an open heart. A beautifully written collection for poetry lovers and seekers of inspiration alike.
