Love and My Walks on the Erie Canal by author, vocalist Joan Matthews has relatable, inspirational poems consisting of overriding themes of love, nature and contemplation.

To those who are not familiar, the Erie Canal is a mostly man-made waterway that connects upstate NY with the Atlantic Ocean. It was a main mode of transportation and commerce prior to railways and roads. It is used today mainly for recreation. In a most creative way Joan roamed the endless miles of the canal and used it as a spiritual backdrop for her delightful book.

I really enjoyed this very impressive collection of poems. The poems resonated in a variety of ways – some felt like whimsical, light-hearted poems that made me smile, others were thought-invoking, and I delighted in pondering their hidden meanings. As with all good art, my interpretations gave me a sense of connectedness, as though the author was drawing from my own passions and life experiences.

Ms. Matthews’ poems elevate and inspire, amuse and provoke. With the Erie Canal as muse, she shares her joys and hurts, dreams and cautionary tales. I certainly look forward to what follows “Love & My Walks On The Erie Canal.”

Joan is a western New York State musician – sort of jazzy stuff – and you can probably find some of her music on Youtube, like her song “Reaching Out.” Her poetry is also lyrical, and you can almost imagine the musical backing that would fit the poems. Her writing is easy to understand, not like some poetry I know. Would be a great gift for anyone living near or just enjoying the canal.

When I see you on stage, this is what I want to be