Threads of Time
a poetic diary about life, love, loss, and longing
by
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Sweetly Light Comes Slowly… Softly … Light sends its beams to soften midnight’s violet hue Slowly… Softly … Light spreads its sun to gently greet the waiting dawn Slowly… Softly … Light sheds its glow to shine its silver lining on every dark cloud Slowly… Softly … Light always comes! Rocks Cry Out I remember when he crooned And it was just the two of us With the rocks Crying out The rocks softly weeping That a love so raw A love so pure Yielded kisses that Silenced the singing of the birds Put the rains back in the clouds And made the full moon appear on the orange sunset And as he built castles in the sky The rocks tenderly laughed At the two of us immersed in the artistry Lost in the ecstasy Of the execution Of the precision Of a kiss so holy Of lip-locked caresses so poignant That only the two of us existed Two hearts entwined In a rock quarry In the world In the galaxy In the universe Just the two of us! Expectations Time Unwraps her gifts In due season Each treasure revealed With simple reason Summer entices with His warmest, golden rays ... Autumn flirts back, Shortens her days ... Winter cajoles with His ritualistic hibernation ... Spring emanates in her Spectacular jubilation! Each gift is given for a reason ... And Time’s gifts Grow better With each season! Roadside Memorial Just another guy in the neighborhood Who would Nod to the fellas Wave to the ladies And smile to the kids One day He woke up Decided to go to the corner store A reckless teen driver Speeding home From a night’s fete Struck him dead While he was standing At the pole The newsy neighbors said He was from San Salvador He had a wife And six children he adored That is why the pole Is painted with hearts and flowers RIP in large letters in memory of his precious soul Place of Dreams I love the places I go to In my dreams Where the waters are calm And sweet breezes Waft through the swaying trees Where you wait for me And we pick memories From the floating clouds Where the singing birds Grow silent at the sound Of our honeyed laughter Where the pristine waters Hum nature’s tune Merrily along our meandering path But what good are dreams Which last through sleep? When I awake The nightmare begins…
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About the Book
Reading Beryl’s collection of poetry, "A Pebble in my Shoe” feels like a lazy afternoon with the sun filtering through a canopy of leaves, or like a best friend opening a tattered journal to share their most heartfelt thoughts. Beryl masterfully brings the reader into the experience with poetic prayers that capture the heart’s deepest yearnings. For instance, "A Psalm After Midnight" seeks divine intervention during moments of true vulnerability. Her reflections on Time remind us that it is a fleeting, valuable gift promised on the hope of eternity, while her love poems span the entire emotional spectrum—from the exhilaration of first encounters to the excruciating heartbreak of love gone awry. Despite these themes, there is no cynicism in her work. Instead, Beryl’s voice provides calm, comfort, and clarity. She uses her gift to take a stand and tell truth to power without being preachy. Additionally, her tribute poems, such as "Martha’s Rest" and "You Were Your Own Poem," offer vivid glimpses into the lives of remarkable people. The title poem, "A Pebble in My Shoe," serves as a poignant final word: life happens, challenges arise, and we must reclaim our joy and agency to keep going.
About the Author
Beryl R. Williams began writing and reciting poetry during her formative years in Dominica. A Pebble in My Shoe, which includes poems spanning several decades, is her debut collection. Beryl is the founder of the Caribbean American Poetry Association, and she is currently compiling her collection of Caribbean poems and stories. Beyond her literary contributions, Beryl has had a successful career in executive healthcare communications and broadcast journalism. She currently serves as an adjunct assistant professor at colleges in the New York City area.