Look and Listen

Biography

Amani na Mapenzi: Love & Peace is the first book for the author/poet Sharon Moore Stenhouse (aka a’Kihoro). It is a collection of poems that began to blossom in Summer of 2006. In addition to her writing, she is a graphics and publications design consultant. Born in Baltimore, Maryland and educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools, she attended the Community College of Baltimore, the College of Notré Dame, and the Johns Hopkins University where she earned certification as an Internet Webmaster and Database Developer from the Carey Business School. She is employed as an administrative coordinator at a major university.

Inspiration

I began writing poetry on a dare after accepting an invitation to an open mike poetry night at a local tavern. One of the scheduled artists asked for a volunteer to read his latest work. Reluctantly I stepped in, took a deep breath deep breath, reflecting back on my high school English poetry and read an exceptionally lengthy, angry piece on male and female relationships. To my amazement, I received a standing ovation and compliments from seasoned poets on the delivery of the poem. The person who invited me literately dared me to write a poem and come prepared to present it the following week. Torturous as it was I penned my first poem titled "Why Not Me" and found myself eagerly awaiting the opportunity to present what I had written. Once again the ovation was welcoming...a new poet is birthed. All of the poetry I write has a direct or an indirect reference to the Holy Father, who holds dominion over my life. There are specific messages to young people, African-Americans, and abused women voiced in what I like to call a bit of "Mother Wit." As a breast cancer survivor there is a singular thought continues to come to mind when I reflect back on that particular part of my journey. Therefore, my message to anyone diagnosed with this diesase is the poem titled "The Lord Told Me So."