Sifting Through the Sand

Book excerpt: Sifting Through The Sand is Anela Lani's first collection of poetry. Having studied both psychology and philosophy in college, Anela's search for meaning has led her down varying paths, ultimately resulting in many revelations and bouts of relearning. Influenced greatly by her love for her home, O'ahu, Anela gives readers a look into a complex journey through young adulthood with an island feel to match. The first part, Shifting Sands, focuses on curiosities about philosophy, love, anxiety, identity, and the world itself. After a seemingly destined turn of events, she titled the second half, Salt and Light. There is an obvious shift in voice and focus in the second half as Anela learns that the words flowing onto the pages are not truly hers. It is for believers and non-believers, dreamers and do-ers, lovers, and those that just need to be reminded how much they are loved.