Terry O’Neal shares her collection of poetry in her first book entitled Motion Sickness.  It is a compilation of poems that range in topics including relationships between black men and women, how to be comfortable being yourself, and instilling self-esteem in your children while they’re young.  It also covers the arenas of loving and losing someone to death, being true to yourself, and having faith in yourself and in God.

To discuss each of the poems in the book would take away from the book, but not to mention some of my favorites would do an injustice to this nice collection of poetry centered on everyday emotions and feelings.  Some of those that I was fond of and that "stuck" with me are below along with my interpretation of them.

The Honor - teaches us to love black men despite the things they do that we may not like or agree with.  

Common Thoughts/World War Ways - these poems teach us that we shouldn’t focus on living up to the standards of others or on being better than someone else.  We should simply be ourselves and not worry about what others think.

Kind Words - reminds us to be cordial and friendly with those we encounter on a day-to-day basis.  I REALLY enjoyed this one because it reminds me of people you pass in hallways, stores, and other places that walk by you without any sign of greeting.

Little Black Child - a mother’s plea for her child’s self-esteem.  I really enjoyed this poem because I believe it’s important to instill a sense of self-esteem in children while they’re young.

Motion Sickness - speaks of a desire to move on with life without repeating previous pain and trials of the past.

Back Home - talks of the good ole cooking you get back home and how it feels to go back after being away for a while.  This is another of my favorites of the book because everyone knows there is nothing like good home cooking!

Boomerang - teaches us to do good things even though they may not be reciprocated or appreciated.  The main lesson is to continue them because in the end you will be rewarded and reap the benefits of your kindness.

Faith in You - a parent’s message to their child letting them know that they can do anything with faith in God.  Also, it tells of the parent’s faith that the child can do anything they set their minds to do.

Those are only a few of the poems that are in this collection and I’m sure every reader will find quite a few that personally touch them and reflect their feelings about the same topics.  Ms. O’Neal closes the book with Lesson’s Learned; short passages of lesson’s she’s learned throughout her life.  Of those listed, my favorite and one I try to live by myself is:  "never put all of my faith into one person.  It is too much pressure on them and a big disappointment to you."

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other poetry lovers and also to those who like to reflect on life.  I look forward to future works by Ms. O’Neal and commend her on a job well done.