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A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts: For The Mind, Body & Soul

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Trilogy is an exciting experience into the diverse blending of poetry, prose, and thoughts. It raises one''s level of consciousness to that of enjoyment and instills a peaceful quality of mind for relaxation. Enjoy this master piece at your favorite place, with your favorite drink, as your mind explodes with the fascination of Trilogy. The wonderful experience of Trilogy shows how a family working together is able to blend and intertwine their collective ideas and thoughts. Such diversity has produced this exceptional work of art for the mind and body that is soothing to the soul. The passing of Joseph''s mother was a motivation for Trilogy. His healing from her loss was to write. He wrote during every spare moment. The spark ignited the passion within Sheila and Jonathan, and they followed his lead. As a result, this fascinating masterpiece is in your hands. Enjoy your reading and recitals as you experience the sensational journey of Trilogy!

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2005

9 people want to read

About the author

Joseph S. Spence Sr.

6 books19 followers

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Mary.
156 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2009
Great Family Inspiration Shared Through Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts
“A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts for the Mind, Body & Soul”
 
The Spence Family has done it once again in this beautiful Trilogy. Throughout the pages of this book, the readers are taken on a fascinating and motivational journey.
Joseph, Shelia and Jonathan opens up with accolades to their parents and ancestors for their love, prayers, guidance, and directions, which shaped their lives.
The book is broken down into three sections: Joseph Spence, Sr., Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence and Shelia M. Parrish-Spence. Each one gives the readers Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts from their perspective.
Joseph Spence, Sr., lets us see the bitter and sweet and the pros and cons of friendship in Brothers and Sister. Using cliché like “honey in my dew” and “the thorn in my spines” helps the reader to picture the sweet love and the pain involved.
In Soul Food Christmas, Joseph waters the taste buds of his readers leaving them with a hunger to start cooking that dinner now. “Collard greens, Mustard greens, Turnip greens--Lord, I now know what you mean”.
Joseph then gives the readers nuggets on how Love is Shown in Many Ways. It’s not all about the gifts and money so Joseph shares with his readers how small things count.
Jonathan C. Parrish Spence being the son and student shares with his readers that, Black History Month is My Favorite Month. In this poem the readers are able to see his culture on display.
Jonathan’s love for sports is shown in Soccer Not Fowl, Angela and Basketball. He also shares with the readers his need for Being Drug Free Like Me. In this poem the reader is able to view the concepts behind the Dare To Be program. Jonathan speaks openly to teens around the world and lets them know what “Being Cool” is all about.
Shelia M. Parrish-Spence comes to the readers with Your Smile My Son. In this poem the readers see the growth stages of their children and the unconditional love of the mother. She never focused on negativity in this poem only on their “smile.
Her love for music is shown in This is Mellow, and Dancin’ Doll.
Shelia also encourages the reader with her words of wisdom in, Migration, I Love You, Don’t Leave Me Behind and I’ll always say I Love You.
This is an excellent book for the entire family. A plus for every book shelf!


Profile Image for Mary.
156 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2009
This book is a must for the library of every family seeking God’s blessing or not. It highlights a wonderful message and shows us the unity of the family as they work together to make this book a reality. The book presents and teaches many forms of writing styles for everyone who reads its pages to learn. The reader will obtain knowledge of Haiku poems, Quatrain forms, Nonet styles, and much more. We are even given a brief meaning of all of the styles and forms from a very special mentor and teacher.

While gliding through the pages of this book, the writers take us on a journey starting with The Season of Beauty. In this section you are able to capture nature at its best while reading “Autumn Rain,” “Spring Showers,” and “Ducks in a Row.” This section is captivating!

The Prayers for Life Events section inspires the readers to pray without ceasing. If not knowing what to say, the writers guide us to the throne of Grace with “Prayers for Victims of Natural Disasters,” “Our Soldiers,” “Healing Cancer Ailments,” and “Forgiveness and Salvation.” These are just awesome prayers reaching into the heart!

Joseph, Shelia, and Jonathan gives us words of wisdom as they present to us Daily Inspirational Thoughts and His All Encompassing Love for Us. I truly enjoyed reading the authors’ notes at the end of each poem as well as the poem itself. The writers spoke directly from their hearts and you can feel the sincerity in each line.

As you continue to read, the writers press onward with this spiritual journey through Family, Love, and Relationships, leading into Love and Romance, and then moving onto Reflections and Travel. When reading the poem, “Thanksgiving, Ah, I Remember,” you will find yourself sitting at the table with the family. The family bonding in these poems really makes you reflect on the “Good Old Days.”

The book ends with the elegant dishes from the Epulaeryu Poetry selections. You must really read this section to taste the flavor of these succulent dishes. Joseph really arouses the sense of taste in this section. I just love the aroma of spices from these dishes.

I really could not put the book down. I would read...reflect...and read some more...I am honored to have this book in my hands.

The reviewer, Mary Ann Duhart, is a poet and author. Her inspiring poetry book entitled Healing Through Poetry was recently released.













Profile Image for Anahit Arustamyan.
Author 20 books75 followers
October 21, 2019
"A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts" is a truly outstanding book written by Joseph Spence Sr. and his family. The poems are written in different forms and styles such as Haiku, Quatrain and Epulaeryu with beautiful descritions and poetic emotions. All these creative works are inspirational and wise pieces that let the reader learn more and admire the works of spiritual value. This wonderful collection of poetic gems is an inspiration for the mind, body and soul. The prayer for life events lets the reader feel peace, wisdom and spiritual value of the Trilogy that is written in the most beautiful way.
I give 5 star rating to this fabulous book. It must be read.

About the Author
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
Email: jspence078@gmail.com

Joseph S. Spence, Sr., the author of eight poetry books, inventor the “Epulaeryu Poetry” form. His writings appeared globally in forums such as: journals, anthologies, magazines, newspapers and the U. S. Army. He taught at Bryant and Stratton University, retired from the U.S. Army as an officer, and is a Goodwill Ambassador. He received many poetry awards including: Worlds Noble Star, Worlds Nation Writers Union (Kazakhstan); Pentasi B World Friendship Poetry 2019 (Philippines); Noble Star for Literature 2018 and Legend of the 21st Century (India); Poetry Gold Medal Honor, League of Poets (Nigeria Africa); Literary Gold Badge and Ambassador De Literature (Oman); Poetry Ambassador Medal, Independent Poet Laureate, Who’s Who in Poetry, and numerous Editor’s Choice Awards (USA), and Poetry Bard (UK). He served at Poet-in-Residence, for Saint Andrews Scottish Society (USA), has membership in various global scholastic honor societies, is the senior advisor to the founder of “Motivational Strips,” the world largest poetry forum, and resides in Wisconsin, USA.
The Reviewer
About the Author:

Anahit Arustamyan is an Armenia Poetess. She writes romantic and philosophical poems rich in metaphors and allegories. Her creative works are full of emotions and deep thoughts. Her poems have appeared in poetry magazines and anthologies, online and print. She authors the following poetry books: The Queen of Metaphors; My Intoxicated Ink; The Phantom’s Dolphin; Words in Flight; My Lyrical Tongue, Where I Meet Myself and The Canvas of My Soul. All available on Amazon.
Profile Image for Joseph S..
11 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2009
Editorial Reviews:

"A truly wonderful collection! An inspiration to all of us." -- Victor Fields, Artist & President, Regina Records, Oakland, California, November 2004

"Fantastic poetry for the mind, body and soul." -- Renee Bradford, Owner/Pres., C'est Si Bon Gourmet Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois, November 2004

"I really enjoyed reading the poems and found them uplifting, entertaining and motivating." -- Tremaine Wright, Owner & President, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Bedford Stuyvesant, New York, November 2004

"Relevant poetry and prose for easy reading and relaxation of the mind. A must read!" -- Patricia O'Flynn-Pattillo, Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal Newspaper, November 2004

"What a great work of art. These enchanting poems show great knowledge of the world." -- Frances Brock Starms, PhD. Educator and acclaimed poet, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 2004

Product Description
Trilogy is an exciting experience into the diverse blending of poetry, prose, and thoughts. It raises one's level of consciousness to that of enjoyment and instills a peaceful quality of mind for relaxation. Enjoy this masterpiece at your favorite place, with your favorite drink, as your mind explodes with the fascination of Trilogy. The wonderful experience of Trilogy shows how a family working together is able to blend and intertwine their collective ideas and thoughts. Such diversity has produced this exceptional work of art for the mind and body that is soothing to the soul. The passing of Joseph's mother was a motivation for Trilogy. His healing from her loss was to write. He wrote during every spare moment. The spark ignited the passion within Sheila and Jonathan, and they followed his lead. As a result, this fascinating masterpiece is in your hands. Enjoy your reading and recitals as you experience the sensational journey of Trilogy!

From the Publisher
An Exceptional Poetry Book for Exceptional People!!!
This is an exceptional book of poetry, written by exceptional authors, for an exceptional audience. The readers will gain moments of relaxation, and have great times of laughter and repose after a long arduous day. The Spence family believes that poetry is fulfilling to the soul, and that it raises a person’s level of consciousness to a different stage of awareness while stimulating the mind in a positive way. This belief is evident by the poems in this book. Joseph, who is an attorney and a retired military officer, expresses his thoughts in an outstanding manner while appealing to various cultures with his enlightening words. Sheila, who also is an attorney, and a former school teacher, shows her unique style of introspection into the soul with her blend of wisdom, illumination, and understanding. Their youngest son Jonathan, who is a violinist, an actor, and a martial artist, certainly appeals to readers of various ages with his creative style in a unique way, and is an inspiration to many younger adults.

The passing of Joseph’s mother was one of the motivational aspects which inspired the writing of this book. Such dedication shows how a family bonded to recover from the loss of a loved one who was very dear and special. The writing of this book shows what one family did together in a harmonious fashion to achieve a higher quality of life, and to motivate each other in its own way. It shows how the nucleus of a family is able to blend its creative thoughts, ideas, ingenuity, and aspirations as it moves along the path together, thus allowing others to become inspired and infused with higher thoughts of a better quality of life. The theme of this book, which is living life positively, also depicts how family experiences are shares on a daily basis, thus causing better understanding, fulfillment, and attainment of realization for enhancement of life’s goals. The sharing of their experiences in world travel, and communication with different cultures helped to bring them together.

Having known the Spence family, I can truly say that the inspiring messages by this poetic team of mother, father and son touch the spirits of many with their elevating, stimulating, and inspiring words of poetry and prose for the mind, body and soul. Their poetic recitals in various venues and forums have earned praise and accolades from many. Reading this book is a must. It’s a gem to keep and cherish. In a time when families are being torn apart due to societal pressure, this is one family that has blended its creative thinking and writing for the world to see and follow. This book has illuminated the path for many in a special way. Get it today!

Profile Image for Joseph S..
11 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2009
Editorial Reviews:

Won "2009 Best Christian Poetry" by Christian Story Tellers. "A truly wonderful collection! An inspiration to all of us." -- Victor Fields, Artist & President, Regina Records, Oakland, California, October 2006

"I really enjoyed reading the poems and found them uplifting, entertaining and motivating." -- Tremaine Wright, Owner & President, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, Bedford Stuyvesant, New York, October 2006

"Relevant poetry and prose for easy reading and relaxation of the mind. A must read!" -- Patricia O'Flynn-Pattillo, Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal Newspaper, October 2006

"Visual poetry with rhyme and reason--refreshing! -- Milwaukee Courier Newspaper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 2006

"What a great work of art. These enchanting poems show great knowledge of the world." -- Frances Brock Starms, PhD. Educator and acclaimed poet, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 2006

Product Description
Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body, and Soul is a unique poetic blend of spirituality, tranquility, and self-awareness in life’s journey for the reader to experience. The new form of poetry, Epulaeryu, introduces a new level of poetry that tantalizes the taste buds with home cooking to exotic dishes. The poetic forms reflecting on love, family relationships, romance, world travels, the seasons, prayers, spirituality, and inspirational thoughts take the reader to a new height of experience in poetry. This combination of poetic talents by the authors has something for readers of all ages in a diversity of cultures.

From the Publisher
A Poetic Master Piece for Exceptional Readers!!! This is a poetic masterpiece, by an extraordinary family of authors, for everyone to enjoy. It is crafted for the readers to gain insight regarding the essence of inspirational poetry, tranquility for the soul, and connection with the body and mind. The Spence family believes that poetry is a vehicle for upliftment of the spirit, and that poetry raises a person's level of consciousness to a higher level of awareness while stimulating the mind in many ways. This philosophy is embedded within the poems of this masterpiece. Joseph expresses his poetry and thoughts in an exceptional way and appeals to different cultures through his enlightening poetic words. Sheila, a practicing attorney and a college faculty, demonstrates her unique blend of reflective poetry into the soul with her technique and blend of wisdom and knowledge. Jonathan, their youngest son, inspires others in his unique fashion. He uses the violin to motivate, acting to stimulate, martial arts to inspire, and poetry to elevate others. He is certainly an inspiration to many youth.

Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul brings a unique poetic blend of tranquility, self awareness, and spirituality from life experiences. It introduces the Epulaeryu poetic form which tantalizes the taste buds from home cooking to exotic dishes. The Epulaeryu is being enjoyed by many across the globe as they write about their most unique and delicious dishes. Trilogy Moments has a variety of poetic forms reflecting on love, family relationships, romance, world travels, succulent dishes, the seasons, spirituality, and inspirational thoughts for the reader to experience a new height in poetry. The combination of poetic talents by the authors (Joseph-husband, Sheila-wife and Jonathan-teenage son) has something for readers of all ages in a diversity of cultures. The authors take the readers on a journey to a new height of experiences in poetry and life-long reflections that stimulate the mind, body and soul.


The Spence family of authors is truly inspiring as a poetic team of mother, father and son. They have touched the spirits of many with their elevating, stimulating, and inspiring words of poetry and prose for the mind, body and soul. Their poetic recitals in various venues and forums have earned praise and accolades from many. Reading this book is a must. It's a gem to keep and cherish. In a time when families are being torn apart due to societal pressures, this is one family that has blended its creative thinking and writing for the world to see and follow. This book is and will continue to be a blessing to many for years to come. Get your copy now!

1 review
January 20, 2009

Experience joy and beauty throughout this book.

Hearty and wholesome. A delightful meal for Mind, Body, and Soul. An inspiration to us all. I simply could not put this book down. The wonderful lyrics and exciting prose in this book entice the reader to sing and dance to the rhythm of love and laughter while savoring the splendor of authentic foods from Jamaican to southern cuisine.

Joseph Spence has outdone himself in this book which offers a wide variety of poems that makes reading interesting and even amusing. His wife Sheila is an outstanding and highly esteemed poet on her own. Her work lends a feminine touch to their work. Gentle words, mellow thoughts and a deep understanding of love flow through her poems filling the reader with heartfelt warmth, tenderness and nostalgia.

Their son Jonathan adds excitement and youthful enthusiasm to the pages of this book. His poems are practical and realistic with vivid imagery and an easy flow of thought that evokes childhood memories of bright-eyed wonder and innocence lost.

What a team. There is certainly strength in unity.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book twice and I have given it a special place on my bookshelves. It is great for after dinner reading with friends. This book is certainly a great work of art and a family's vision of God's wonderful Creation. I recommend this book to all who enjoy beauty of the mind, body and soul and to all who love to use their imagination to the fullest.
I look forward to reading more of this family's work.

Review by Margaret Ottley-Okubo
Author of EVERYDAY MIRACLES and ON THE WINGS OF TIME.(Self Help & Personal Growth)

Profile Image for Christina Jussaume.
Author 10 books4 followers
February 9, 2009
Enlightening, Uplifting !!!, November 8, 2008

by crj147

"A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts" is a lovely poetry book by three very talented poets, a family of poets. Each Poet has their own section and writes from their heart and soul. I felt wisdom, spiritual value, messages of hope and love within this collection. I was spellbound to read how they all could relate so wonderfully to each other. They all use the accent of imagery, taste, and touch within this collection.

I found the book very relaxing to my senses as my mind would wander to fully realize the potential of the words written on each page, and the story it would tell. I felt the love of Joseph, the Father, Sheila, the Wife and Mother and Jonathan their very talented Son. All of these very talented Authors wrote with great clarity and precision in the content they presented within this collection.

The entire collection was fabulous but I especially enjoyed "Walk on By Girl", "The Electric Slide, "Proud was He", "Autumn Leaves", "My Dad", Soccer Not Fowl", "The Indian Person, "Your Smile my Son", "Migration", and `Don't Leave me Behind". Each Poet writes well and compliments the other two. I could feel all the love shared within this family. Their expression was a delight to me and brought my senses to full relaxation.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone's poetry collection. It is the second book that I have read that they wrote and both books are a treasure that I behold. Kudos to all of you for the fantastic writing! Christina R Jussaume--Author/Poetess www.Poetesscrjussaume.com. Awesome enlightening food for the soul!

Profile Image for Christina Jussaume.
Author 10 books4 followers
February 9, 2009
Essence of Traquility and Love, July 1, 2007

Christina R Jussaume

This collection of poetry was outstanding! It was written from a family of poets. It took us to many countries and was very enjoyable to read. As a poet myself, you all did well with each form that was written. The poems inspirational value brought peace as I read them and your own created form, the Eupulaeryu poetry was splendid. I felt as if I was enjoying all those exotic meals you so creatively wrote of. Blessings with your poetic endeavors. Author of "My Walk with Jesus", "Amazing Pets and Animals", Spiritual Living Waters", and "Joseph's Star of Eternal promise." www.Poetesscrjussaume.com Christina R Jussaume This is a lovely book for my poetry collection!
Profile Image for Jacquelyn Sturge.
1 review1 follower
February 14, 2010
I have read the Triology written by Joseph and his family, and was truly blessed be the content of this book. I loved the prayers for every life events, and will surely use them when needed. The poems are beautiful and very practical, and the daily devotions are well suited to everyday life.
I love Nature, and truly enjoyed the Haiku poems written to commemorate it. The Epulaeryu poems that are written in Joseph's own form are always a fascinating and "delicious" read.
I would recommend this book to everyone who needs a blessing in their lives. I got mine while reading this informative book. You can too!
39 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2023
"A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts: For the Mind, Body and Soul
by Joseph S Spence Sr (Author), Sheila M Parrish-Spence (Author), Jonathan C. Parrish. Spence (Author) is an awesome read.

The books’ set-up broken into three sections certainly spoke volume to the creativity that each of these authors contribute. Judging by their last names (Spence), one must presume that this is a brilliant family of writers who pen intense literature on a global scale.

The table of contents sub-titles alone grabs one into this reflective masterpiece. This books content reeks of tranquility, calmness and peace that the world is in need of today. This book is definitely a great read for all walks of life.

In the words of the author this is definitely a “sensational journey.”

Totally awesome is an understatement!"
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