by Alicia Winski Haenel (Author), Apryl Skies (Contribution by), Chris Miller (Photographer)
"Fine lines define/this road map upon my face/a highway of information/stored in each and every turn". Thus begins the title poem of Alicia Winski's, "Running On Fumes". The lines to which the poet refers are hard-won truths, shared with a gritty passion and honesty that makes this collection nearly impossible to put down. If you read these poems and find yourself asking questions like, "How did she know?" and "who let her inside my life?", you are not alone. The experiences of which Winski writes so insightfully are truly universal. From 'Looking Glass': "I've given little to the men/who would love me and/everything to the men who would not."Although nearly all of the poems are penned from a feminine, first-person point of view, their scope is not limited to female experience - the pain and frustration they convey will resonate with male audiences as well. Men of all ages will find either their pain or their behavior (or both) on these pages; there is ample fodder here for self-examination and reflection. These poems are raw, unmasked indictments, from which no one is immune. In the course of her journey from abject despair through heartbreak and disillusionment to eventual acceptance, Winski addresses all of the demons that have preyed upon her and calls them by their rightful names, even when she must reveal her own weaknesses and vulnerabilities in doing so. "Running On fumes", is a poetic exercise in courage and an inspiration to anyone making the journey from pain to wisdom."Rich Follett for Readers Favorites
Author Biography
Alicia Winski of Seattle has gained an envious, international fan base on Edit Red, an online community for writers. Edit Red has been the paved road to publication for many writers worldwide and Alicia has proven she can write and inspire alongside the best of them. Her readers know her as MsWizard, quite fitting indeed, as she has the ability to turn words into magic and her fans just can't get enough. Her poems have continued to draw online fans to seek more of her works. Her unique voice and playful rhymes are only two of the many trademarks that fans have grown to expect. Winski has a craft that is melodic, honest and often times quite sultry. Her words encompass strength, courage and a passionate perspective on life and love through the eyes of a poet. Alicia, comes from a long history of writers, so it's no wonder she has more to offer than simply poetry. Ms. Winski also has the ability to impress with short stories as well as by creating music. Having a creative outlet to express emotion has helped Alicia sustain and heal through life's many uphill battles. Although she admits many of her musings have been written in times of personal struggle she goes on to say, "I generally like to slide into a pair of sunglasses and just walk amongst humanity. People WILL talk if you ask them questions. So, I'd have to say that humanity is probably my biggest inspiration." For more poetry and short stories by Alicia Winski www.AliciaWinski.com or www.nightwingpublications.com