Illuminations

Citing inaugural poet Amanda Gorman in a poem aptly named "Resilience," "there is power in being robbed & still choosing to dance," Lagier overcomes an early, abusive marriage described in the often harrowing first section. Later in life she finds solace in a celebration of nature, then transcendence in the final section, "Moonstruck." Lagier is that rare poet whose personal, emotional closure provides a meaningful context with universal implications that is neither sentimental nor preachy. Overcoming obstacles and choosing a path that leads to a positive resolution is always a winning combination.

-Alan Catlin poet, How Will the Heart Endure?

In Jennifer Lagier's latest collection, Illuminations, we follow a poetic journey that starts in Seattle, 1969, through early years of youth, growth and change, culminating in the strength of perseverance that's resides in all of us. With an abundance of skill and breathtaking imagery, Lagier showcases her talent for merging physical and emotional worlds, to help us better connect with ourselves, and others. Whether it's a full moon over Sausalito, or a Harvest moon in mid-autumn, these poems showcase depth, grace, and-ultimately-healing. Beautifully written, this may be her strongest-and deepest-collection to date.

-Cathy Porter, author of The Dash Between Us

Jennifer Lagier has always been a keen observer of nature, with a poet's eye for nuance, spectacle and spirit, and the very human implications of our relationship to the world. In this collection, birds-herons, cormorants, pelicans, night owls, Canada geese and acorn woodpeckers among them-and the moon-full moon, harvest moon, blood moon, winter moon, nighttime's lunar chanteuse, platinum moonlight, astral lunacy-take center stage, along with celestial chameleons, bawdy raccoons, and heat-seeking dogs. Lagier's poetry pulses with life, harmonizing with the world around us, "a brightness that can reveal wicked deeds requiring darkness" or the compelling visions that give our lives meaning. Illuminations, indeed.

-Charles Rammelkamp, author of See What I Mean? and The Trapeze of Your Flesh