Beware. For this book of poems may feel as though one has been taken to be drawn and quartered. "Spirals, Not Circles" is a collection of ninety-nine poems split into three designated acts: Isolation, Quietus and Renascence. "Spirals, Not Circles" takes you on the arduous journey of self-awareness and its taxing effects on the psyche's defiance to unlearn comforting, yet self-destructive behaviours. After all, there's no greater adversary than that of the ego.
"Spirals, Not Circles" is a collection of poems targeting a variety of groups, as the struggles of discovering oneself is a theme that concerns almost everyone. From teenagers who have just started to doubt themselves to insecure middle-aged individuals who- in fear of the unforgiving passing time- try to reinvent themselves and to mature people who have finally acknowledged and embraced their true self, these poems resonate with any troubled mind.
"Spirals, Not Circles" consists of three equal parts- three "Acts"- under the titles of "Isolation", "Quietus" and "Renascence".
"Isolation" is about self-doubt and insecurity that lead to low self-esteem and eventually -as the title claims- to isolation. As time passes by, these feelings of helplessness reach the bottom marking the beginning of the darkest period, "Quietus". But this very darkness also serves as a cocoon, from which a new character will emerge, free from the self-imposed shackles. Which brings us to "Renascence", the awaited conclusion.
"Spirals, Not Circles" may start as an ode to pessimism, but that exact feeling of irrevocable helplessness is only the cocoon from which a new and stronger self will emerge. There's no light without darkness, there's no life without death of any kind; and this poetry collection can't stress that enough.
Insecurity. Loneliness. Self-doubt. But also introspection. Self-awareness. Hope. And the wisdom that comes with it. Always going forward -cause that's life- in spirals, not circles.
Miranda (Mira) Parks is the only member of her family without super powers. Her older brother Jason, and younger sister Kelly both attend the school their parents went to Killian Academy, a school specifically for the next generation of super heroes. A school that fronts as an elementary/middle/high-school/college for gifted students of various talents. Well she attends McKenzie High a normal school, or at least that's what she thought until super-villains started to recruit her schoolmates. Somehow Mira becomes the next recruit, and instead of declining she accepts. Hoping to find the hidden school for villains to help her family, but will she end up being lured to the dark side instead?