I have been an avid reader since they first stuck that "See Jane Run" in my hand too many years ago to claim.

However a recent encounter in the Chronicle office brought an unexpected surprise.

By nature, I'm a huge thriller fan. Reading anyone to Stephen King to Casey Moreton to Lisa Scottoline; and throwing in a few Debbie McCombers or Dorothea Benton Frank for good measure. Of course then there are my tried and true: Nora Roberts'  "In Death," Steve Hamilton's  "Alex McKnight" series and Stephen J. Cannell's  "Shane Scully's" always make their way into my hands when they are released. If I'm in a more literary mood, I'll go for something like Sara Gruen's  "Water for Elephants,"  which left me spellbound and hating to turn the last page.

The only contacts I've had with poetry have been in the form of Wordsworth or Yates for an old English Literature class.

But then, Sharon Khardaji wandered into our office with "Poise: Select Poems." From the first poem Spirit of Poetry, I found myself lost in the simple but profound musings of the Louisiana, Irmo Native.

This small book includes a wide range of poems that are sometimes humorous, sometimes-grabbing tissue, and sometimes spiritual and is more than well worth your time.

So, the next time you're browsing Amazon.com or your local bookstores, take a moment and check out this unexpected surprise.

Or better yet, stop by Cafe' Vienna on Saturday, May 24 from noon to 10 p.m. for the author's book signing. There also will be drawings for adult and children.