Wednesday, January 18, 2012


An Opulent Tableau of Essence by Sharon Hays, 2011

 Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of “Stir, Laugh, Repeat” and “Think With Your Taste Buds”

Reflections by Sharon Hays, 2010

Reflections from an antique mirror
A face I do not know
When I leaned closer in to see
It was not me, oh no
I examined the stranger closely
She stared right back at me
I gazed into the antique mirror
Our eyes locked decidedly
Could this be the face of a long-lost friend
So familiar, the face in the mirror
This cannot be the face of me
A face that I am not aware
I tried to imagine how time could steal
A face that was once my own, oh my
But when I leaned much closer in
I knew the face was I

“I have to admit I’ve looked into the mirror and seen not myself as do in my mind's eye, but instead, a face looking back at me that has developed lines and sags that simply can't be. I look at that face and see so many others; my mother's face, my dad's and even my daughter's is there. That just simply can't be me looking back, but of course it is.”

“Author Sharon Hays is known for her mystery books Mysteerie Manor and Mysteerie

Manor II, as well as her children books; The Tumbleweed Family and Adventures of

Sadie Ladybug. Hays has since, ventured into the world of art and poetry. The poem above is one of her own and one of my favorites within her book, “An Opulent Tableau of Essence.” Her poem, “A Homage to Veterans Lost and Forgotten” is simply beautiful, as is “Time of Change.” The art work that she's paired with her poetry is just as compelling. A couple of my favorites; “Clouded Sunset” by Dana Gage, and “Pale Rider” by Kerri Pestana also inspire me. But in honesty, I love them all and would love to have them hanging in my own home so I could just sit and gaze and share them with my friends and family.”

“Hays doesn't stop there; She actually included a bio of each artist and poet within the book. Some reside within the US and some as far away as India, Australia, Uzbekistan and more. This is one book that when placed on the coffee table will be picked up and not just thumbed through but read and enjoyed time and time again.”

Review by Martha Cheves

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