Guardians

“Many of these poems read like praise song, whether describing childhood’s lost landscape, Paris at twilight, or carrying a stone into the labyrinth. Like a labyrinth and the many rivers that course through it, this collection reads like a journey, a joyful and heartfelt seeking toward a deeper emotional and spiritual connection in the human as well as heavenly realm.”

“Generous, accessible, and unaffected, these poems are little phoenixes like the fireweed in the poem by that name. Each one of them celebrates the spirit's victory—art's victory —over loss and sorrow. Each object, moment, and event is wrapped tenderly in the lyrical weave of redemptive song.”

“Laura Still’s debut collection of poems shimmers like a painting; her word canvas is color-driven with themes of light and shadow that contour a sense of wonder and mystery. Animals and minerals, trees and plants, fire, air, water, earth—these are the elements Still offers as an open prayer, “small graces” that remind us that “we find our best strength / when brought to our knees.” In this journey we ride “the river of words forgotten” as the poet searches for love, for spirituality, for miracles of resurrection amid loss and destruction. Guardians is a “gracious fire” of words and images.”