Persistence of Vision

by Nike Binger Marshall

"When did you become a poet?" I recently saw this question on a blog and began to consider my journey to this place. Writing has been my "thing" for as long as I can remember. I discovered writing when I about 6 years old. A group came to our school and taught us how to write haiku. I wrote something deep and profound in those three little lines. The instructors thought it was great as well as the other pieces my classmates wrote. A few weeks later, they came back and handed out mustard colored paperback books to the class. The haiku written by my class, poetry and artwork of other students were all contained in that book. I didn't know little kids could create a book! It absolutely blew my six year old mind! I continued to write throughout Junior High and High School mostly as an outlet. I was raised in a very strict household where children were seen and not heard. Writing was the only way that I could clearly and freely express myself. I put writing aside following the birth of my daughter and as many women do, I chose to focus on family needs, which meant putting aside my desire to write. As happy as I was to be a new mom, I felt like I gave up a huge piece of myself. I don't recall who said it, but I heard a quote once that said something like, if you wake up each day and can only think about writing, then you are a writer. That quote entered my mind many times during the years that I was not writing. About five years ago, I decided to "get me back." I picked up my pen and started writing poetry and began to feel whole again. I was a happier person, but didn't consider myself a poet at that point. As long as I was writing for myself, I could only consider myself an avid journal keeper. I did not believe I could be considered a poet until I took the risk of sharing my work with others. I started by sharing my poetry in blogs and received great feedback and encouragement from other writers. Then I took the greater risk of sharing my work with family and friends. It's one thing to receive negative feedback from a stranger, I don't have to encounter a stranger on a daily basis, but opening myself up to friends and family was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Family and friends can be tough critics at times, so when my family gave me praise and encouragement for my work, I was thrilled! Now that I've done the hard thing, sharing my work with my cozy network of online friends as well as with family, I've decided to put a few of my poems together in a book and present this gift to you. I'm expanding my boundaries! Nike Binger Marshall

70 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2009

About the author

Nike Binger Marshall was born in Brooklyn, NY and is the second of three children. She began writing short stories and poetry in grade school as an outlet to a very strict upbringing. In her free time, she enjoys watching, and often draws inspiration from documentaries, as well as sharing little known black history facts on her blogs. Following the birth of her daughter, Nike put writing aside to focus on the needs of her family. In 2004, after a long break, she revisited her passion for writing and has been writing ever since. One of the winners of the Delaware Art Museum's I/Eye Witness Gordon Parks Art Competition in 2008, Nike currently resides in Delaware with her daughter.

Reviews

[Author G D Grace]

Just received this one in the mail from the author. So far, I find it classy and creative. I'll post more as I read more. Had her as a guest on my blog talk radio show "A Touch of Grace", and found her to be an articulate, kind, and gifted spirit.

[Nita Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a lover of poetry you will absolutely love this book. I loved how she used pictures to help induce the feelings as you read each piece. She shares with us the emotional feeling of missing a loved one through her poetry…beautiful. As well, she gives us a history lesson. Overall she shares words that make you go hmmm…and make you think. I also liked the fact that she gave us a meaning of persistence of vision…hence her book.

Every poet has his or her own style and I definitely enjoyed reading Nike’s style…not to complex, easy to relate to and heartfelt. This was a winner and I look forward to reading her next book of poetic pieces.

My favorite poem in the book: ”Move Me” – This piece was beautiful and it spoke volumes. A perfect piece to read to that someone who is trying to move you in those simple, I’ve had that done before ways – show me who you working with .

[Nike Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Persistence of Vision" is my collection of poetry, published in November 2009. I am very proud of this work! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

[StarrH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read. The author spoke from the heart and it shows through out the book. Each piece in this book has its own personality, and will speak to you in its own special way. I highly recommend this book, there's something in here for everyone.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a huge poetry reader, but this Author left me desiring more. Readers can and will find that they can relate to each piece on a personal level. Looking forward to her next publication. I encourage you to also follow her blog @ http://nikewrites.wordpress.com for extra reading pleasure!

[Fiordaliza Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down, it was very heart felt and Nike is an inspiring and wonderful author and friend this is a must read for everyone.

[Anelda Attaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poetry was beautiful!!! She is a great writer.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nike is a powerful poet. Loved reading this book. Interviewed her and got to meet the woman behind the book. Great read. She has a novel coming out soon.