FROM THE SHADOWS
By
JUSTINA VERNALINE JOHN

Justina has chosen to let us in on her world of words, And, Out Of The Shadows comes this little book, the first tentative steps in her dance of language. She begins with the sources of her inspiration; what has made her and her people what they are? Always there are questions.

Why has it been this way?

Why has this course been taken by the steps of fate?

Then, as if coming to terms with all this, she moves to her family and
the island world around her. Finally entering a third phase, she moves to love and faith. At the end, she is back into the shadows perhaps, “but it is a cool content shadow of restfulness and harmony beneath the tall branches of the pear tree” where “prayers have been answered”.

There are several small books of books of poetry out on the market now. It is as if poetry, with its mystery of words, provides an avenue for Dominicans with something burning in their breasts to express and with few places to express it.  Here, then in the sunshine, out of the shadows, is Justina’s labour of love.

From The Shadows is Justina V. John’s first book of poetry. But, she is no stranger to poetry lovers, for she has participated in activities by the Dominica Writers Guild; including Poetry by Candlelight recital at the local Public Library, published several poems in the local press, and read her works on the local radio station, Kairi FM.

Justina was presented the “Editor’s Choice Award” for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry by the National Library of Poetry, in Maryland, U.S.A. for her competition submission, “From Inspiration”.