A Fragile Light

Among the more quotable quotes which grace the pages of Lois Parker Edstrom's seminal collection, A Fragile Light, is this by Henry Havelock Ellis: "The Art of Living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." Indeed, the light truly is fragile, as we seek meaning in the world that surrounds us. However, Edstrom has found her way by using the medium of poetry. Whether one chooses poems about Washington state's breathtaking coastal scenes of water, sailing, birds, fishes, and fauna, or poems that compare "the grace of architecture" to inspiring musical compositions. . .this gifted poet invites us to walk with her into life's fragile light. "White Peony" focuses on the very nature of poetry, "Teach me about poetry, she said. / I don't understand. // Perhaps there is nothing to teach. / I can only share what comes out of silence, // how a poet tries to make something / from the rags of this world." This collection is a triumph!

-Michael Escoubas, author of Ripples Into the Light-PhotoPoetry, with artist Vandana Bajikar