Belize City, Thurs. Jul. 30, 2009

            This afternoon, at 2:00 Maggie Gilharry launched her first poetry book, “Solitary Soul” at the Leo Bradley Library on Princess Margaret Drive. Gilharry, who was born and raised in the north, is a dedicated mother of six, which she now raises on her own and a hard worker who has been employed with the Belize Defense Force for 10 years. She told us how a woman who never graduated standard 6 has so much potential and strength to plunge forward despite all odds.

Gilharry told us that the book is thoughts conceived over 10 years. In 1999 she wrote her first poem. She put the pen aside for a number of years before she started writing again in 1994. It was not until later this year that the thoughts were always flowing and she finished a total of 43 poems, which she has in the book. Even though the book is based primarily on love poems, it also has other poems that can be related to other occasions in the years such as Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas time.

            She found it very easy to write poems. Sometimes she would get one idea or something would happen that would spark the thoughts to flow. She worked the night shifts when she first became employed with the BDF as a telephone operator. So while people slept contently, she wrote her heart out.
            Some of the poems in the book are, Solitary Souls, Treasured Moments, A Class of his own, Valentine for Mom, Lonely Days, Broken Hearted, Lover’s Prayer, Cruel Hand of Faith, An Awesome Man and Fathers Day. One of her favorite poems is titled, “Cruel Dreams”. Cruel Dreams speaks of a woman who has dreams of her lover wrapped in someone else’s arms. However, when she awakes she sees him lying peacefully lying next to her in bed. Even though he says I love you so when he awakes, she could not forget the scenes of last night’s cruel dreams.

            One poem that is very fitting for Father’s day is the poem titled that same way. She was inspired to write this poem because of a friend she knew who was a single father. She writes this poem in the third persons as if though she was the daughter of the single father. She thanks him for dressing her every day to go to school, teaching her the things she needs to do and the love and affection she is shown on a constant basis. She thanks him for being devoted to her, giving his all for her to be happy and comfortable.

            Gilharry said that we can definitely expect more from her. Not just poetry, but also short stories. As I mentioned she never finished standard 6. She became ill in std. 6 and never went back to classes, even though she always ranked first in her class. She kept to reading, which is what continued to develop her vocabulary.

            It was not until 1994 that Gilharry decided to go back to school and she graduated with honors from St. John’s Extension night classes.

            Reading is still her favorite past-time, said Gilharry. In closing she thanked the publisher Tiffany Simpson of Belizean Art work entertainment, who published the book.

            The books are available from the publisher Tiffany by calling 605-1088 or from any Angelus Press Branch in the city for a cost price of $15.00.
            This is the second book being published by Tiffany, who is in business with her younger brother, Kendoyll. They “back up” not only writers, but also artists who wants to release their work, but don’t have the finance.

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