Ten Years Running

Mary Johnsen
Lulu Press (2005)
ISBN 141166132X
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (3/06)

“Ten Years Running” is a collection of poems written over a period of time in Mary Johnsen’s life when she was going through difficult circumstances. Her writings deal with the emotions she felt about life, love, and her own personal growth. Some of the feelings shared are simple to understand, but others are quite complex. She deals with a wide array of emotions. Mary writes from deep within her heart, and in her own words, Mary says, “From my heart to yours.”

Mary writes of pain, hurt and rejection, but her exact words leave a picture vague enough for us to wonder exactly what is on Mary’s mind. I believe this to be a positive trait in the writing of poetry, as a reader can be left to draw one’s own conclusions, ultimately relating to more readers and their own similar life profiles.

If you are a cat person, you will probably be intrigued with the cover of Mary’s book, depicting a large photograph of a family pet. Mary writes a tribute inside the front cover, explaining her feelings for her lost kitty, Max. True to form, Mary’s tribute is also a poem.

I believe Mary Johnsen wrote her collection of poems because this was something she needed to do to move on from her difficult circumstances. Most of her writings are dark and she speaks of all the feelings she is experiencing while going through this time. Mary wrote her poems for herself, in order to understand herself. The poet writes of realization, acceptance and ultimately her moving on to better times. I personally do not enjoy reading about depression, but I realize this may have a positive and therapeutic effect on others suffering, offering comfort for feelings of isolation and aloneness. I preferred the poems later in the book when Mary writes of happier times and her new and better life. She escapes her pain through her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. In some way, every reader will find something they can relate to. Anyone who enjoys poetry should enjoy reading “Ten Years Running.”

Make comment on weblog