Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings

Shirley Cheng
Dance with Your Heart Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780615136806
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (3/07)

Shirley Cheng was born with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and spent most of her youth hospitalized between the US and China.  Her mother spent precious energy fighting to save her daughter from medical death.  Her gift for the battle was not only her daughter’s life but also a bond so strong the love and respect can be felt upon the pages.  Due to the level of hospitalization Shirley was not able to attend school until she was 11, but excited and eager to learn, with an unbelievable aptitude, she raced through academics with honors until losing her sight at the age of 17.  Shirley, now only in her early twenties, is a blind and physically disabled motivational speaker, poet, and author of five books.

“Waking Spirit” is a collection of poems, memoirs, tidbits of wisdom “A moment with Shirley”, and short essays on dancing to the spirit of life.

Waking Spirit
When Dormant it lies
All sensations travel by
Kiss it gently on the brow
If you may, then sleepiness shall vow
No longer shall it yawn, for
Greatness has opened the door

Spirit, rise!
Prepare for a brand new day
In it, all treasures suffice
Ready to be shared from day to day
Internally your essence shall glow
Thus, let your songs eternally flow

The majority of poems are three line observations of life:

                                                            Tumbling Leaves
                                                Slowly, leaves tumble
                                                From home, greeting vibrant friends
                                                For a gentle rest

It is Shirley’s wisdom, insight, and spirit that take the readers breath away:

                                                            A Moment with Shirley

                                                Many dream dreams; only a
                                                        few create dreams.

                                                Be the creator of your or
                                                       someone else’s dream!

“Waking Spirit” is a collection of wisdom, insight, and poetry that begs the reader to pay attention to the gift of life, the gift of the spirit, and the gift of sight.  Although I am not blind, through this book I have been given the gift of sight.  Thank you Shirley!

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