Oceans and Orchids

Anne-Marie Derouault's poems quest for meaning and celebrate connections in four sections carefully crafted around travel, living well, nature, and an homage to her mother. Regardless of the topic, though, all of them resonate with her very distinct voice - a voice that is meditative yet sensual with a Parisian flavor that arises from her French background. The beauty and attention to detail in these lyrical pieces will bring you gently along on the poet's own life journey, and also on a journey toward mindfulness: "One can hold out for a long time / in the company of trees." You may also find yourself gradually seduced by the appeal of drinking hot green tea.

-Anna M. Evans, author, Under Dark Waters: Surviving the Titanic and Sisters & Courtesans

When I want to settle my mind after a rough day, I read Anne-Marie's poetry. She writes of family with kindness, affection, and love. She writes of her homes with peacefulness and awareness. She writes of nature with eyes wide to its beauty and with acceptance of its certain place in her life. These are feelings that I seek in our turbulent world; these are details that I want to see in my earthly wanderings. And, when our time here ceases, I hope to have my mind and my heart at ease as she does.

-Christopher Robin Adams, author, Spanish Cedar: Preserving the ART of the Cigar Experience and President, Scribblers of Brevard

What describes this book is a beautiful wave at sunset that spreads happiness, contemplation, and depth; that reconnects people to the most beautiful and eternal part of themselves, in a form of silence. These poems are words that call for silence - that lead back to inner silence.

-Maud Kristen, author