Dive into WAVES and embark on a poetic journey of longing, nostalgia, and the ever-changing nature of life – as experienced through the powerful imagery of the sea.
Autumn Williams is the author of two poetry books: her chapbook "WAVES", and her number one bestselling collection "Clouds on the Ground". Her poems have been featured by Flare Magazine, Arcana Poetry Press, The Poetry Lighthouse, and others. She also earned a finalist spot in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Her work is influenced by the chronic illness she has, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, but is written to be universal. Williams lives in Texas with her husband and their children.
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards EDITORIAL REVIEW 25th April 2026 TITLE: Waves AUTHOR: Autumn Williams
Star Rating: 4
“A simple yet compelling set of poetry, strongly metaphorical, and underpinned with a feeling of ‘yearning’.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW I very much enjoyed this short, simply written set of verse. With ‘water’ underpinning Autumn’s work, this book is very much a lyrical exploration of memory, desire, and life’s constant changes, brought to life through vivid ocean-inspired images. In many ways, the best word to describe this poetry is ‘yearning’; yearning for the ocean and what it seems to represent to the author. I felt this verse summed up Autumn’s feelings rather well: We drifted with the waves together— laughing— salt water on our tongue There’s a lot to enjoy here, particularly if you love the water and what it represents. Whilst reading it, I very much felt the author’s love for the ocean. Also, as "WAVES" is a metaphor for what chronic illness takes from life, I felt it offered her a respite from life; a way of forgetting illness. …wish I could drift away with the wave It’s all very melancholy – as poetry often is – and I suspect readers looking for a time out from life will find it thought-provoking and relaxing. Readers who enjoy Healing Words by Alexandra Vasiliu and the wonderful Poems of the Sea edited by J. D. McClatchy will find this book particularly enjoyable. All in all, a powerful, and often inspiring read. A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review www.thewsa.co.uk
"I stare out / into the ocean / and wish / I could drift away / with the waves" (page 5)
WAVES by Autumn Williams is a beautifully put-together collection of short poems.
It’s a very fast-paced read, and the flow is perfect—moving between walking and dreaming; a push and pull (much like actual waves!)
I also love how the color blue is very prevalent, as it also helps tie the themes of love, and almost longing, together. I felt and underlying sense of melancholy while reading this chapbook, but there’s also a lightness there.
My favorite piece is probably the one on page 23, a poem I feel encapsulatesthe mood wholly, opening with: "The ocean leaves / to join the sky" and finishing with "Turning to gray / and then / falling"