Leaves Falling Upon the Sky: Reflections of a Life so Far (Paperback)

Description

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The collection of poems, Leaves Falling Upon the Sky, Reflections of a Life so Far, invites the reader to examine ordinary life events such as "Mowing the Lawn" and "Peeling Potatoes" from a unique perspective.
Estelle's way of seeing is, as the title suggests, like looking at autumn leaves drifting upwards towards the sky rather than falling down to earth.
By looking at our shared experiences from the humorous morning weigh-in depicted in "The Scale" to the serious business of caring for loved ones in "The Sick Child", the writer shows that we can find meaning in the routines that make up a life.
In the Reflections section the poem "On Ageing" recalls the ageing Ulysses embarking on a new quest as an optimistic view that old age can be a beginning rather than an end. Finally, some thoughts on our shared Covid isolation in "My Library Fridge" and "Acres of Time" demonstrate the variety and relevance of this Reflection of a Life so Far.
The works mentioned are just an excerpt from over 50 pieces in this book that I hope you will find inspiring as well as fun to read.

About the Author

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Estekke Watson Sanders is a native of Portland, Maine now retired to the Shenandoah Valley town of Woodstock, Virginia. She has a BA in English from the University of Maine, and MA in English from Tulane Univeristy, and a CAS degree in Educational Leadership from the Univeristy of Southern Maine. Estelle and her husband, Charles, enjoy time spent with their two daughters and their families, as well as hiking, reading, camping, and exploring.

Praise For…

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“The poems touched my heart as I read the sections named “Death” and “Motherhood”. I could see you and me as I experienced each. Loving the book more as I settle down for slower readings.” Maureen Sturtz

“What a beautiful book of poems. It’s like I can peek inside your heart and soul. Just lovely.” Susan Cusson

“Your poems are so moving and heartfelt. “The Lost One” brought tears to my eyes. So did “My Daughter Left for Africa Today”. What a nice way to look back at your life and remember the emotions you felt. And also to share all this with everyone. Leah W. Blumenthall
“I read and loved your poems. Well done. Keep on writing!” Wanda Theriault
“If your roots are in New England, reading Estelle W. Sanders’ Leaves Falling Upon the Sky is much like reading your own biography in brush strokes of imagery
Her poems reflect the tapestry of time and the experiences of everyday living, and imbue warmth, amusement, thoughtfulness or bittersweet recollection to the ordinary. One readily identifies with the pleasure of loon calls on a serene summer night, activities like mowing the lawn and peeling potatoes or contrast of spring in Maine and the Shenandoah. Sometimes this poetic scrapbook touches on isolation or loss. In other selections, one can feel the texture and visualize the colorful patches of grandmother’s quilt or recognize the emotions of a mother as she cares for a sick child or grows into her parenthood relationship.
As the author acknowledges, “we can find meaning in the routines that make up a life.” This is a heartwarming collection of poems, each one to be read slowly and savored. Caroline Hebold

This poetry will speak to the heart and the intellect of a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. The poems are true, rich with the experiences of a long life and a long marriage. She doesn’t flinch in telling clear truths. Read to the last line of these carefully crafted poems. It snaps it all together. Beauty! Arlene Sowka

In “Leaves Falling Upon the Sky”, Estelle W. Sanders expresses personal sadness and the joy of natural beauty. She shares the sadness and sleepless nights of seeing a daughter leave for a five year humanitarian mission to Africa with her husband and children. I can identify with these feelings as I said goodbye to my son four times when he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Drawing upon Estelle’s extensive traveling, especially from Maine to Florida (as my family and I have done), I enjoy her vivid descriptions of pristine snow covered woods, the tide washed rocky coast of Maine, and the glistening sandy beaches and colorful gardens in Florida. Kathleen Cole

“Loved this book for the expression of beauty in the ordinary.” Dee