Your Words is an inspirational poetry collection by Louise Bélanger. The book also contains some short, charming stories and photographs accompanying the poems that add color to the narrative. It opens with the poem “I Will Again…” a poetic rant against the COVID-19 pandemic and all it entailed, taking over people’s lives and turning their worlds upside down. “Water” is a plea to people, urging them to be more compassionate toward each other and focus on building rather than destroying. “Different the Way” is a reminder of how interpersonal relationships have changed since the advent of the pandemic. “Walk towards the Light” encourages readers to be resilient in the face of adversity and always keep their faith in God. “Teddy” recounts a day in the life of an orange tabby cat.

Penned during the lockdowns in 2020, Louise Bélanger’s mesmerizing verses capture the mood, state, and feelings of the general population to great effect. Your Words is a heart-touching collection of poems that delve into the hopes and struggles of people in confinement during the lockdowns and showcase its impact on society at large. In between the poems, there are a couple of poetic tales aligned with the themes presented throughout the book. The photographs bring a picturesque element to the pages that only add to the richness of Bélanger’s stanzas. The narrative themes of faith, yearning for freedom, and the search for compassion are universal, and everyone can relate to them. This is a treat for poetry lovers.

5-STARS Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite.