ANYONE’S LOVE STORY

Much like life, love is not a destination; by using poetry to depict the stages of the relationship cycle, Bayer writes her way to the answers along that journey.

At one time or another, we all experience love and the loss of love. How smooth our journey is on this route depends on the circumstances of the fall and whether or not the journey allows us find love again. By equal measures, Bayer has felt love and been devastated by its loss. Along the way she suffered greatly, left alone in the wilderness of her heart. Turning to her muse and confessional poetry as her vehicle, she pieced back together the idea of love from the ashes of confusion and sadness. Bayer, who is a doctoral candidate in health psychology and a blogger, may be in tune with these emotions more deeply than the average traveler. However, it is the format of her collection and the delivery of her words that makes her work so engaging. The book is separated into chapters that function as milestones in her journey. “Falling” begins a descent into the chaotic levels of heartache unknown. “Searching” explores memories and feelings, trying to make sense of what has happened. “Accepting” goes beyond coming to terms with fate, delving into self-acceptance. “Knowing” is really the first baby steps on the other slope of the relationship parabola. “Loving” is fairly self-explanatory, but framed in elegant, fully realized words. “Having” and “Understanding” add the final pieces to the puzzle. All the while, Bayer’s well-written, matter of fact style of dealing out verses and overcoming emotions pour onto the page. This helps to heal the wounded and bring solace to the reader who is ready to find it.

A valuable read for those who love poetry and self-help books—and those looking for answers in a world darkened by the absence of love.