WHISPERS IN THE DARK

In this collection of poems, Williams-Roddy presents her thoughts and prayers on enduring life’s hardships from a spiritual perspective.

Subtitled “My Little Talks With God: A Cry for Justice,” this prayer journal of sorts chronicles the author’s daily meditations. The majority of the poetry concerns imploring God for relief from the world, or critiquing the state of society today. With titles such as “Imprisonment,” “Unfair Treatment” and “Victim of Indifference,” Williams-Roddy presents her viewpoint as being constantly besieged with obstacles and injustices, and appeals to both God and the reader for action. Many of the poems focus on the societal pressure to mask feelings of rage, fear or pain with an unaffected exterior (“I sit here with a pasted smile, / a smirk, a grin, / Trying to keep my composure / from the beginning until the end”). Other works deal with the frustrations and anger of experiencing racism, both directly and indirectly (“Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, / Is how I feel today. / To enter into this ethnic bondage, / For another day”), as well as the ideas of what it takes to bring justice to the world. The remaining poems are worshipful praises of God’s blessings, with works including “In the Valley” and “Peace.” Williams-Roddy also sprinkles biblical scripture throughout as companion verses to her themes. While the author may have overcome hardships, frequently the reader struggles to identify with her. All too often, Williams-Roddy complains about broad generalities (evil, racism) and offers little in the way of specifics or personal details. Without being able to sympathize with the author as an individual, the large themes just remain large, not relatable. Problems also arise from the on-again, off-again rhyme structure of the poems. The pieces dealing with worship fare better, with some thoughtful meditations on appreciating life as it comes, and a nice balance of adversity and spiritual triumph.

A noble effort, but the execution needs refinement.