Anella Shillingford, a teacher at the Portsmouth Secondary School and former teacher at Goodwill Secondary has published a collection of poems entitled ‘Bonfire’.
Shillingford, a native of Coulibistrie said that she was introduced to poetry at the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School by her teacher, Ms. Kendra Roberts.
Poetry was a saviour for Shillingford who said that it saved her from going down wrong paths and making wrong decisions.
Shillingford said, “Bonfire came together almost effortlessly. The poems cane to me and fit together as if fate had sent them. The elements of fire, air, water, and earth play a central part in the collection because I have since learnt the importance of balance in all of life. Without moderation, we would gravitate towards extremities and that would in no way benefit mankind”.
Shillingford said that while getting published was a challenge, she gives God the credit for helping her overcome every obstacle. She encourages young writers to write often, perfect their craft, dream big and to not allow culture to try and subdue the power of their dreams. Further, to create opportunities for themselves if the ones they desire cannot be found.
Anella Shillingford is a member of the Waitukubuli Artist Association and thanks the members for all their help in the publishing of this project.
Bonfire is available on Amazon.
