The Bird Released: A Collection of Poems by Ellen Marie Walker "When I release the bird of my heart I will be at peace." So ends the poem from which the title of this collection of poems is taken-- and in an earlier poem, the poet writes: "When my grandmother was my age, her dress was already chosen. She said: "Lay me down in my casket. Cross my arms over my chest and place a red rose in my hand." Me. I want to be on fire." Ellen Walker is definitely on fire in this collection of poems. A professional pianist, injured at age 36, she battled depression and loss, and through her search, found her poetic voice renewed. Some of her poems sink to the depths of despair; others fly to the heights of rapture. Early poems speak of travel to exotic places; later poems search for true love, purpose, and meaning in life. This collection documents an emotional journey, 50 years in the making. Ms. Walker, lives in Flint, MI, with her husband, Jeff, a loyal beagle, and a very spoiled poodle.