Poet shares her thoughts in charming book

Whatever the outlet, artists pour their souls into whatever they produce, and

shares some intimate and often touching thoughts, collected over the years, which poet Wendy Barker shares with her audience.

Barker is an 84-year-old who lives in Bushman’s River and has been writing down her thoughts over many years, deciding recently to reveal them to a wider audience by publishing her first book of poetry, which will be launched at the Red Apple Emporium this Friday.

Barker said she was a little nervous about publishing a book of poetry, yet, having read it there is nothing to be nervous about.

The poems reflect different times in her life and show a woman with a deep and sensitive soul who has lived through good and more difficult times but has learnt many lessons along the way.

The book is about her family and is an attempt to clarify issues of the past and reconcile those of the present.

Her style is simple and effective, favouring directness over hyperbole and metaphor, giving the poems more gravitas to the subjects that have touched her heart and from which she has learnt and grown as a person.

Barker is also an artist, and all the illustrations in the book, including the cover design, were done by her.

“It’s like opening up your soul and letting people look in,” Barker said.

However, from her writing, it is clear Barker is a gentle soul who has seen much in her life.

The book launch will take place from 10am and Barker invites everyone to attend.