Embracing the Power to Live

by Marsha Ingrao

Embracing the Power to Live is a poetic journey of a woman's perseverance despite life’s hard knocks. This collection taps into the true spirit of poetry—reaching ordinary people with the message that they are enough. Some poems hold profound meaning. Others are included simply for the fun of playing with words - a joy reborn when she stepped into the world of syllabic poetry.
Told by different authority figures in her life that she would never marry or achieve her dreams, the author defied the discouraging voices. Her poetry shatters shame uplifts the spirit, and encourages readers to embrace the strength to do the same.
This collection isn’t a self-help guidebook—it’s an invitation to laugh, weep, grow, and live together, connecting hearts through poetry. Embracing the Power to Live is for anyone who seeks to rise above a spinning world to gain strength, perspective, and a new beginning.

Genres: Poetry

210 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2025

Reviews

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve read a book quite like this one before. It’s a memoir in some ways, a poetry collection in others, and perhaps most of all, a nostalgic reflection on the memorable moments of the author’s life. Ingrao defines it best in her afterword: “…part memoir, part advice, and part fun and silliness.”

The book has nine sections, each “Embracing” a theme in Ingrao’s life: the Power of Language, Love, Laughter, to Learn, to Listen, to List, of Locality, of Leisure, and to Live. Within these sections are her thoughts on creativity, poetry, and writing, her first love and mature love, her faith in God, pampered pets, dealing with change, finding her voice, life in Arizona, her activities, and the challenges and grace found in aging.

Within each theme, she reflects on bits of her life’s experience in both prose and poetry, the two linked and complementing each other. Bible verses are sprinkled in as a further reflection on a particular memory or musing.

Ingrao uses a number of poetic forms from limericks to rondels and pantoums, to freeform and found-form poetry, to a wide variety of syllabic forms, including haiku, haibun, and tanka (to name just a few). There’s an appendix explaining each of the forms in the back of the book. I found many of the poems and experiences relatable, particularly those that mirrored my own journey through aging.

As an example of what readers will find within the pages: the author, as a kindergartner, had an unrequited crush on a sixth grader. This poem (a double tanka) accompanied her learning about keeping her crushes to herself:

Mike rode all the kids
on his twenty-six-inch bike
up and down the street
one at a time he pushed us
giggling and begging for more

sweetest sixth-grade boy
my heart popped when he came by
I knew where he lived
stopped by and walked him to school
each day until his mom called

A highly recommended collection to readers of memoirs and poetry, who might be interested in something unique.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Embracing the Power to Live” is a unique collection of poetry and insights that weave through Ms. Ingrao’s life. It’s spiritual and humorous through some of life’s toughest times. I enjoyed the quotes that gave a strong sense of the author’s faith and strength, plus the background that accompanied the poetry tied it all together. The poetry is a delicate mix of symbolic and free verse spread over nine sections. Here’s a sample of poems, of many, that I highlighted: “It’s hard being semi-smart because,/It’s so hard to choose./I have many skills with several flaws/And activities that enthuse…”—It’s Hard being Semi Smart, “Someone might pamper their ferret/Might even pamper their parrot/No proud Shih Tzu owner forgets/Oh how I could pamper my pets…”—Pampered Pets, “So many thoughts inside a poet’s head,/Grasping for words,/Combinations of words churning inside,/Longing to become profound…”—Compelled to Write, “gentle, knees-to-chest/plant in hand, waiting for love/centuries elapse…”—Patience Over the Centuries, and “towering oak trees/leaves disappear, dangling limbs/from storms long ago/silhouette against the moon/worn dependability…”—Aging Gracefully. I can highly recommend this for all those who love poetry and life’s journey.

[Willow Willers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in it's pre published stage and again after Marsha kindly sent me a copy. What struck me most was what Marsha herself says about this book "Embracing the Power to Live isn’t a step-by-step self-help book—do these ten things, and you’ll be an instant success. No it is a poetic memoir full of hits and misses that you’ll enjoy if you listen with your head full of dreams."
Yes indeed it is that ...a book for a sunny day or a rainy afternoon. It will raise your spirits and build your character.
This is a slice of Marsha's life and there is something there for all of us to learn from in it.
I can highly recommend this book. It is a true life Gem !

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eclectic collection of poems in various forms that follows the author's life. As Marsha Ingrao writes in the epilogue, it is part memoir, part advice, part fun and silliness. To me it's an honest and heartfelt account of following dreams and achieving goals amid heartache and disappointment, in the form of poetry. I think everyone will get something out of this book. I especially enjoyed the clever poem, A Flood from the Perspective of a Bridge, and the acrostic poem, Grounded in Self spoke to me. The poem Anticipation is great as it uses all the senses. My favourite quote is, "We all get into some tight spots as we travel through life. How we handle the difficult turns along our road of life creates our legacy." I took my time to read and savour this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a unique combination of memoir, poetry, and photos that tell stories of author Marsha Ingrao's life, lessons she has learned, and words of encouragement to her readers. Her poetry styles vary from free verse, rhyme, limericks, and haiku. Her writing is a range of emotional, lighthearted, and humorous.

[Smitha Vishwanath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir in part prose, part poetry, is the best way to describe Marsha Ingrao's new book, 'Embracing the Power to Live'.With a sprinkle of verses from the Bible, snippets, and poems providing a peek into her world, Marsha shares her journey through life. It's an easy book to read that will leave you contemplating your journey and relationships, and it will inspire you to 'embrace' life with all its ups and downs, twists and turns.
This book is a quick and pleasing read - haikus, senryus, rhyming poetry, free verse and many more. A glossary at the end of the book explains each of the poetry forms used in the book. Readers may be tempted to try their hand at various forms using this. Marsha shows how poetry can be written on any and every subject of life. Her poem on Arithmetic made me wish I or my kids had a teacher like her who could connect Math and Literature. She shares personal photographs and those on which poems are based, providing the reader with both a visual and intellectual treat. This book is good to recalibrate your compass.
There are constant reminders to love, learn and hope in each section and it's impossible not to be washed over with a feeling of goodness (so essential in these difficult times) as one reads the book. For instance, the verse John 4: 7-8 - 'Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love,' in the second section.

The book is divided into 9 sections: 1) Embracing the power of language, 2) Embracing the power of love, 3) Embracing the power of laughter, 4) Embracing the power to learn 5) Embracing the power to Listen 6) Embrace the power to list and 7) Embrace the power of locality 8) Embrace the power of leisure and 9) Embrace the power to live.

Under the section, 'Embracing the Power of Language', a line that stuck with me is, 'When we lose our power over communication, we lose our power to live.'

Who should read this book? Positivity never hurt anybody. So, anybody who wants to be positive or needs it should read this book. Also, anybody who wants to try their hand at poetry. Lastly, anybody who want to read a memoir written in verse.

[Lauren Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao isn’t only a poetry collection, and that in itself, would be lovely. No, Marsha includes sprinkles of faith throughout the 206 pages, along with honesty and humor. In her words, “…this isn’t a self-help book. It is a book of reflections on my life of more than seventy years, expressing the enjoyment I experience creating with words.”

This exquisite book is divided into nine sections that offer subtle life lessons, even when we’re met with challenges: Language, Love, Laughter, Learning, Listening, Listing, Locality, Leisure, and Living. Marsha embraces each with intention and encourages us to do the same. Humor plays a significant role in my life. Sometimes we need to laugh and let go of the seriousness; humor also helps soften the blow when hurdles in our plans come out of nowhere. So, “Embracing the Power of Laughter” deeply resonated. From beginning to end, I smiled, laughed, became teary-eyed, and reflected on my own personal experiences.

I also believe that a good listener makes a better friend, and I agree with Marsha’s thoughts, “When we listen, we start to understand another’s worldview or perspective.” Life isn’t only about our viewpoints. There is so much to learn if we open our minds and hearts. So “Embracing the Power to Listen” resonated as well. Speaking of viewpoints, below is a poignant example – a few verses from a poem that was inspired by the news:

A Flood from the Perspective of a Bridge

I smiled down at the stream
A mere babbling brook
Bounding over boulders
caressing the banks with butterfly kisses

This morning, I awoke in pain
My limb, useless and shattered
By my dear stream gone rampant
Sticks and stones breaking my bones

I lay helpless in frigid waters
Pouring over my cement skin
Ripping and tearing at my guardrails
I cried out a warning, my voice muted by turbulence…

I could go on because there is so much to absorb and savor in Marsha’s nostalgic reflections and writings. But instead, I invite you to not only dip your toes into her poetry but let the words and lessons flow over you like cool water on a sweltering summer’s day. Highly recommended for you who appreciate subtle life lessons and beautiful poetry that evokes reflections of your life.

[Selma Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

lush with lyricism: will encourage you to follow your own path ...

Contrary to what she will tell you, Author Ingrao is generous with her words and the time she devotes to sharing her stories and, were she to allow it, as prolific as Jimmy Carter—I feel she has enough material to write many collections like this one— and like Carter, exceptionally good at writing about so many different subjects. Not surprisingly, Ingrao, very optimistic and sunny, embraces education as her forever ocean-going vessel, like Carter, who was a learner to the end.

This poetry anthology and memoir, Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao, is a kaleidoscope of, no, a smorgasbord of, no, a jambalaya of everything— goodness me! A collection, lush with lyricism, that will encourage you to follow your own path in life like the author is doing. Somewhere in this book —seeped in nostalgic reflections, hits and misses, high definition photographs—you will sigh deeply as you nod to how she plays with words, pokes fun at shame, and invites you to keep turning the page. You will feel your spirit uplifted, your strength boosted by her encouraging words.

I was mesmerized to no end by her very first poem that immediately planted a smile on my face. Take a read— Senryu:

“da doma
ba mama bubbles
nanaba


“Precocious sixteen-month-old Colby effectively told her mom that Grandma bought her bubbles the last time they were in the store. Poetry is the language of the heart, embracing life, bubbling over with joy, love, sorrow, pain, beauty, and hilarity.”


The smile that got planted early stayed on through joy, love, sorrow, pain, beauty, and hilarity found throughout the book. From the very start, this is a tremendously feel-good read; the appendix, a generous gift of information. And in between lots of encouragement that you’ll want to read again and again until it settles in your happy place. Promise!

But you’ll need to get the book to find out. I hope you do, because I cannot recommend this book enough. A very satisfied customer giving this book a resounding 5-star rating. Please check it out.

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I rarely read poetry, but I'm sure glad I gave Marsha Ingrao's memoir-style poetry book a chance. Ingrao's collection of works cover many different styles of poetry, featuring topics related to her life including the power of language, love, laughter, learning, listening, listing, locality, leisure, and living. I've only been following her blog for a short time, but I felt like I got to know her through her works. Her poetry is a combination of memoir, advice, and fun and silliness. The author intersperses narratives and photos of valued things in her life that she writes about. Ingrao's positive outlook on life shines throughout, despite having more than her share of sadness with breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, car wrecks, and the loss of her first husband. Her faith has carried her through all these trying times.

Although I enjoyed each section, my favorite works had to do with her use of humor.

I would love to include my twelve favorites from her collection, but instead I'll share one clever one for the pet lovers called Sleeping at the Head of the Bed:

Did you ever sleep at the head of the bed
When your humans went off to work?
Scratchin' up the pillows and twistin' up the sheets
Though you knew that would drive them berserk.

Lyin' on your back, feet curled in the air,
Awaitin' a rabbit or cat.
I'll tell the world you've really missed something,
If the pillows ain't where your at.

Some dogs don't know what it's like
To have humans leave them the place.
Wrestlin' the covers on a hot summer day,
With the air conditoner blasting your face.

Chew toys on the quilt, begging for a tooth,
You know they'll be there all day.
Just gotta wait till the tribe comes home,
Till the toys can tempt you to play.

There are papers to chew when you tire of sleep,
And under the bed is a mess.
Corners of boxes and the rims of Mom's glasses,
Stuff you'd never confess.

But chug, clunk, crash, they're here at last,
It won't be lonely tonight.
Start waggin' my tail, lean against the door.
My wiggle is the first thing in sight.

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most unusual and enjoyable collection of poems, photographs, memories, and religious quotes that collectively tell the story of the poet's life. A most interesting memoir, the poet has not shied away from sharing her human experience in all its marvelous highs and compelling lows. The short paragraphs embellishing the poems with additional colour and memories are enlightening and the photographs make the whole experience more visual and vivid.

This book is presented in different chapters, each focusing on different aspects of life and living to highlight and reveal in. While the poems are all encompassing and share moments of sadness and discomfort, the collective package is a positive experience of finding contentedness and peace to support the poet on her journey through life in all its manifestations. Religion, the poet's guiding light, is threaded throughout the book as a common thread of hope and support.

I am sharing one poem, It's hard being semi smart (pantoum) which I feel embodies the spirit of this book and its relatability to us all.

It's hard being semi-smart because,
It's so hard to choose.
I have many skills with several flaws
And activities that enthuse.

It's so hard to choose
Because I'm sort of good.
And activities that enthuse
Make me think I should.

Because I'm sort of good,
I try to do too much.
Makes me think I should,
But nothing has the master's touch.

I try to do too much.
I have many skills with several flaws.
But nothing has the master's touch.
It's hard being semi-smart because.

In closing, I must mention the cover of this book which I think is gorgeous.

[Kay Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating volume of faith, hope and inspiration!

Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao

Embracing the Power to Live is a memoir written in prose, verse, and photographs. Author Marsha Ingrao reflects on the milestones of her life such as childhood, moving, parents, friends, career, the death of her first spouse, and a second marriage. Her retirement as a teacher now gives her the opportunity to reflect about the deeper meanings and reactions to these episodes of her life. Ingrao contemplates her past life as she remembers how she felt about these events compared to her emotions now. She writes about the lessons learned from both good and negative incidents and how these can be used to help others. The author has used her gifts as inspiration for her writing. She writes about the value of these insights gained through self-reflection, which gives her encouragement to continue growing and embracing life.

I enjoyed Embracing the Power to Live and highly recommend the book to all those readers who like memoirs and inspirational books. Marsha’s original poetry makes the book unique. You will be entertained by how she weaves memories with free verse, syllabic poetry and photographs into a fascinating volume of faith, hope and inspiration. She has included an appendix of poetic forms plus helpful captions of her photographs. I discovered that Marsha and I both grew up in Indiana, so I especially enjoyed the reminiscences of her life there.

Marsha Ingrao began Story Chat Online Writing Group where she leads others to grow in their writing skills. She is the editor of several anthologies of stories and poems in Story Chat Volumes I and II. Marsha’s poetry, stories, and articles can be found in numerous anthologies and publications.

[Marian Beaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marsha Ingrao, author of Embracing the Power to Live, proves that she likes to play with language, fashioning dozens of vignettes into the story of her life. For instance, when she tells of herself and her brother playing in the snow, variations on this story become free verse, villanelle, tanka, haibun and pantoum. With its 5-7-5 line structure, the haiku form, focusing on natural world, and senryu verse, exposing human foibles, are also included in Ingrao’s poetic styles. Readers can also expect to find illustrations of bussokusekika, a gogyohka or two, and a kyrielle. And, what the heck is a haiga? (An appendix defines and gives instructions for writing each form.)

In the section, “Embracing the Power of Laughter,” I especially enjoyed the humorous poem “When Not to Wear a Wig” Some lines from How to Enjoy a Cactus made me laugh out loud: “don't pet a cactus
enjoy them from a distance
count its arms and ribs / don't expect leaf shade
under prickly saguaro / take a parasol/
don't sniff a cactus
you'll become a pin cushion
smell creosote bush . . .”

Tucked inside the chapters you’ll find tentative answers to questions potential authors may ask: Why write?” Where does a poet learn to write?” and “what does the poet write about?”

In her veritable collection of verbal calisthenics, Marsha Ingrao has composed her memoir along with sound advice and hearty humor in nine inspiring units. Simply put—this book is a delight to read and would make a welcome gift for the holidays or any other occasion!

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the Power to Live is an assortment of various forms of poetry and prose. Ingrao’s reflections on life, nature, seasons, and people come alive in this book, which is divided into nine sections. In one of her poems, she tells us that her poems are “brief recollections of memorable incidents kept separate from the sameness of day-to-day living.”

From the limerick of a fairy to learning to love and the wisdom of embracing life, she also talks about her early life, how she was constantly in the arms of doctors and nurses, receiving bonding love, why she had to spend one month in the hospital and how dearly she was welcomed by both her grandparents, as they had anxiously waited for a child in their families for twenty-five years. Switching between verse and prose, she continues the story of her life.

‘The Battle between the Heart and Mind’ reveals the innocence of understanding love. All the poems about love are exquisite, and the ones in the section ‘Embracing the Power of Laughter’ will make you smile. I laughed out loud at ‘Rush Hour Disaster.’ Tanka series - ‘Power of the Ocean’s Roar’ is my favorite as they could transport me to the beach. There are many haiku and dodoitsu series with beautiful imagery.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the Power to Live is a poetic memoir recounting the author’s life, as told through poetry, quotes, Bible verses, and nostalgic stories that chronicle her journey through the difficulties of a life well-lived. Yet, this book is full of humor and warmth that draws you in from the first chapter.

Ingrao covers a wide range of subjects, including the Power of Language, Love, Laughter, Learning, Listening, Localities, Leisure, and Living. Through her poetry, we learn her life story. Like everyone, this author has had her share of ups and downs. It is through her faith in God that she learns to move on and embrace life to the fullest.

I enjoyed Ingrao’s reflections on her family and the past events that shaped her life. The author says it best. “Embracing the Power to Live is for anyone who seeks to rise above a spinning world to gain strength, perspective, and a new beginning.”

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt and moving read, evoked through various forms of poetry – limmericks, haiku, free- verse and more, along with photos, structured in an interesting display. Ingrao opens her life in prose in this poetic, memoir-like telling, encompassing some of the author’s challenges and triumphs in life. Her writing is forthright, heartfelt, and even humorous. The author doesn’t hold back from sharing some of the more painful things she endured in life, just as there are passages that bring a smile. Ingrao brings us in with her warmth and genuine style of writing.

The book’s structure is different from most books I’ve read, but once you start reading and follow, we adjust to the pattern of various poetry, while taken in by stories evoked through free verse poetry. The author demonstrates her zest for life, her wounds, and many accomplishments, and most of all, her love to embrace every aspect of her life.

[Maggie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the Power to Live is an exceptional book,
part memoir, part poetry.
I would also say it is a "call to action", we are after all
only here once, for a short time.

I really enjoyed the way this book was split into all the relevant parts
of life ( Language, Love, Laughter,Learn, Listen, List, Locality, Leisure, Live), which, surely we must EMBRACE equally if we are too survive and LIVE fully!

In each of these parts, Marsha writes with wisdom throughout her verses, as well as humour, ( all written in various forms).
Marsha also opens her heart to the reader about some of the many painful moments in her life by sharing personal stories.

This book is testament to a life well lived while learning to navigate its obstacles.
Marsha's words are relatable throughout.

If you are struggling right now, this book will raise you back up with honesty and inspiration!

I recommend this book with 5 stars.

[Dawn Pisturino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This homespun book combines sensitive, heartfelt, sometimes funny, poetry with a thoughtful, heart-warming memoir. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these personal memories and stories. Ingrao shares her sorrows, joys, and wisdom with honest, down-to-earth frankness. A cancer survivor, the author accentuates positivity, resilience, and growth as the rewards we reap when we successfully battle the obstacles that challenge our lives. This book will provide powerful inspiration to anyone going through a difficult time. I rate it five stars.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the Power to Live is a memoir written primarily in the form of poetry. Readers travel with the author as she shares both the challenges of life and the joys. Although it is an unusual approach, the pages turn quickly, just as one's heart does. There are photos, memories, and quotes that linger, and there is the writing skill itself, which is beautiful. I found this book to be a lovely read.

[Melissa Lemay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a style of poetic memoir, Embracing the Power to Live, by Marsha Ingrao, is a poetic journey akin to talking with a friend over a cup of coffee in her Arizona kitchen. Marsha shares learned wisdom, her kind heart, and her unique sense of humor in her first collection of poems.

I enjoyed helping her with her book. She is wonderful to work with, has a genuine good nature, and is easy to get along with. One thing I am especially grateful for about Marsha is her humble attitude and love of lifelong learning. She is a free spirit, and inspires in all of us the confidence to “give it a try!”