The Andrew Poems

by Shelly Wagner

Book Overview

On a soft summer Virginia evening Shelly Wagner was pushing her five-year-old son in a tire swing in the backyard, idling away the hours between dinner and bedtime. She left him only for a moment, but when she returned Andrew had disappeared. He was found later that night, drowned in the river behind their home. From the depths of grief that followed, Wagner began to write poems--not as therapy, she says, but to see if she could express the range...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0896723194
• ISBN13: 9780896723191
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Heart Felt and emotionally correct

This book has made Mrs.Wagner one of my single most favorite poets. It shows us that there does not have to be a technique or background in poetry to give the world something with as much dept as "The Andrew Poems". I live with my grandmother and when my father passed I have always wonder how it affected her, these pieces have shown me what has gone through her mind and that is something I am very greatful for. If your looking for some dribble light hearted poetry, than this is not for you, but if you want "Poetry" than don't pass this one by. Richard, TX, 17

Totally heart moving book on the loss of a child

I've seen Shelly in person and have felt her pain. Her poem "The Boxes" is one of the most amazing poems I've ever read. She knows how to put the pain into words. I have lost two children in the past 6 years, and Shelly writes what I feel. "Get out of the box....Ben and Matthew."

From the heart...

Although I did not fall directly in the target audience ( if there can be such a thing) for this book, having never lost a child, I was greatly moved by reading it.I had purchased a copy, and read it in one sitting ( highly recommended) on a trans-continental airline flight. My seat mate kept stealing glances over my shoulder, to find out what I was reading that kept me reaching for my handkerchief, and weeping profusely at times.Subsequently, I have encountered numerous parents who have lost their children in some accident or tragedy, and I never hesitate to recommend this book to them. Shelly Wagner has given us a phenomenal tool for grief counseling. Read it, and see if there is not someone for whom it is appropriate. This volume belongs in the library of every compassionate human being on the planet.Capt. Chris Siegel Beaufort, NC seagull@myexcel.com

Beautiful

The Andrew Poems by Shelly Wagner take us back to 1984, the drowning of Andrew. Having never written Poetry before, Shelly Wagner grasps us from page one, and doesn't let us go.