New Book of Poems - HERO ISLAND

Offers Rx for Stress
Poet, Lawyer, Reformer, Community-Builder

"Poetry is in itself strength and joy . . . "
--English Poet John Sterling

In today's turbulent world, how can we relieve the stress that often grips us? One prescription, many experts agree, is by simply reading poetry, whose musical language and meditative reflections are said to soothe the soul. Now, a new book of poetry, entitled HERO ISLAND, would appear to offer a particularly uplifting elixir for both easing stress and renewing the spirit.

Written by Stephen B. Wiley, community activist, former New Jersey state senator, and legislative reformer, HERO ISLAND (available from Oasis Publishing at www.heroisland.com) was inspired by Wiley's vacation sojourns on an island in northern Vermont. Yet his collected poems are not mere nostalgic reminiscences or the flowery platitudes of a wistful dreamer.

Rather, according to one reviewer, HERO ISLAND "is a rare blend of poetic reflection" and "realism." Writes Jennie S. Bev, managing editor of BookReviewClub.com: "Wiley's crystal-clear language sparkles with humanity. Readers of all ages will find his poems beautiful and extremely encouraging."

For centuries, poetry has been seen as helpful therapy. Ancient societies chanted poems to promote healing, and even today modern medicine recognizes the transforming power of the poetic word. Indeed, in the U.S., the National Association for Poetry Therapy was formed a quarter-century ago composed of, among other disciplines, psychiatrists, physicians, occupational therapists, and pastoral counselors.

The author's other poems include such evocative titles as, "Deviled Eggs", "A Bath", "Hay Harvest", "Sitting in the Woods", and "Daffodils". "Crosscut Dancing" captures the rhythmic motion of a father and son operating a crosscut saw.

Looking back over his 75 years, Wiley, a lawyer by profession who could truly be described as a modern-day Renaissance man and a recognized achiever who admits to being an idealist, hopes his poems will provide a spiritual tonic for his readers. At a time when cynicism pervades much of the world, and faith is being rigorously tested, his poetry reaffirms a belief in the beauty of life, the intrinsic decency of humankind, and the restorative power of positive action.

The author contends that it is a natural instinct of humans to assert themselves in worthy ways, in whatever capacity they have to contribute. "Even if things are not going to work out perfectly for the world," he counsels, "should we not assert ourselves anyway?" When he himself has done so, he concludes, "by making an authentic footprint on the pathway of life, I have found it fulfilling."

As for Poet-Author Wiley, his poems, which have been featured in leading poetry journals, are penned in clear, understandable free verse which calms the senses with simple, easy-flowing reminders of the wonders of everyday things, and the sheer miracle of existence. Excerpt:

"To My Hands
Yes yes I do admire your solo work
how you throw a ball
write your name
tip your hat


And I'm proud that things are named for you
giving a helping hand
handing down your outgrown clothes . . .


But I admire you more together
when you wash each other in the basin . . .
row a boat
or play a sonata
or lift a child"