Following Diana’s journey through her teenage years among the turbulence of emotions and key milestones in life, Sensing perfectly captures the writer’s openness to life and honesty. “An Ocean of Endless Wonder” from the collection may seem like a simple poem at first glance but it contains deeper currents that will awaken life in the heart of the reader. The imagery is exceptionally written and the author’s use of metaphor enriches the selection. For instance: “The darkness of the sandy floor / And deepness of the wave troughs / Frighten me with their mystery –/  Do I dare to venture into the unknown?”

The feelings of loss and love we feel throughout our youth are beautifully encapsulated in this collection of poems by Diana Haemer. She takes us on a personal journey through her youth, dealing with the pressures of being an ice skater and overcoming difficulties to become a confident young woman. The poems feature a wide collection of themes that are intelligently written, including family, prom, college acceptance, nature, growing up, and more. It is interesting to notice how the poet brings beauty through her diction in experiences that are common.  

With easy-to-read language and hidden depth and meaning, Sensing by Diana Haemer will draw you close and motivate you to look into your own life’s journey and wonder at the workings of the universe. Coming-of-age poems that deal with topics like solitude, sadness, and love are perfect for teenagers and young adults. Sensing is an exquisite collection of poems with a lens on youthfulness that is existential, gripping, and explorative. Readers will love the poems for their clarity, intimacy, and warmth.