Melodye Micëre Van Putten, who has released her third collection of poetry entitled ‘Sacred Thoughts: God Is The Light … and The Light Is All There Is’, will host a book-signing and reading next Friday at the Baha’i Centre in Hamilton; on Tuesday she will give readings at the monthly seniors’ luncheon at the BIU.Published by Kephra Publications, ‘Sacred Thoughts’ is a collection of spiritual poems, prayers, libations, meditations and affirmations. Sacred Thoughts Poetry Meditation cards have also been released.According to Dr Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ‘Sacred Thoughts’ “is the kind of book you want to carry with you at all times. The poems serve to inspire, to comfort, to encourage.”An international education consultant, Mrs Van Putten, wife of former Hamilton City councillor Carvel Van Putten, has delivered her poetic reflections nationally and internationally at academic conferences and cultural events in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, South Africa and Tanzania.Her previous poetry offerings have been favourably reviewed. Poet and publisher Dr Haki Madhubuti writes: “Melodye Micëre speaks with a voice of authority and caring. Her soul poems demand that we listen, internalise her articulations and enter her landscape of living words. This book is refreshing, thoughtful and welcoming.” ‘Obamatyme: Election Poetry’ won the 2009 National Best Books Award for Urban Poetry. Reviewed by cultural critic Dr Cornell West, he called her “…a talented poet whose love for truth and justice is quite evident in ‘Obamatyme’.”“Van Putten’s creative work gives voice to the universal experiences of life as all face in our journey on earth. A life-threatening illness became the impetus for this collection of spiritual poetic reflections which acknowledge life’s trials and tribulations, underscoring the need for healing, forgiveness, stillness and quiet contemplation.‘Sacred Thoughts’ continues her mission of touching the soul and gently prodding one’s consciousness. Assuring us of an inspired experience, Dr Tutu writes: “Once again Micëre has blessed us with her gifts of language and faith.”