Today I have a treat for you!  This post is all about Kelly Chripczuk’s new book, Between Heaven and Earth (Poems).  Let me start by saying, I’m not really a fan of poetry, but I’m a huge fan of Kelly, so when she was looking for people to read and review her new book it was a no brainer. *Disclosure:  I did receive an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

 

Every now and again you get a chance to do something new; something you might not have pursued had the opportunity not presented itself.  My relationship with poetry has always leaned heavily on the “no thanks” side of the room, but deep down inside I have this nagging little voice that keeps saying, just try it!

 

(Deep Sigh)

 

When I received my advanced copy of the book, I made a plan.  I blocked time on a day when I wouldn’t be too tired, so I could focus and take notes.  So Sunday Night, I sat with my iPad and a nice cup of coffee and began to read.  As I began to read, it captivated my attention.

 

 

 

 

Ha, so much for note taking! I literally read the entire book from cover to cover in one sitting; I couldn’t stop myself.  When I think about it, I’m sure my dislike for this literary form stems because I typically struggle to understand it, but that was not the case with, Between Heaven and Earth (Poems).  The simplicity and profound of this written work is marvelous.

 

Sweet and clear, it will draw you in, over and over, leading you to this contemplative place, where depth and understanding meet together.  There is something about this poetry that makes you feel like the way is clear.  It might even awaken a desire within to speak in prose, allowing figurative language to flow in simple rhythmic form.  Crazy, right?  I almost feel like I could try…

 

A realization came to me in all of this:  poetry has a way of taking you beyond tangible and physical, beyond what’s obvious, to the more and the good.  I missed that, because I avoided it for so long.

 

 

 

 

Between Heaven and Earth (Poems) is a collection of verse inspired from scripture, nature and everything in between.  Each work is believable and relatable.  My heart resonates as I read these poems, eager to dig dipper and follow the path laid out.

 

This book would make a great companion with your quiet-time collection.  Read these poems as a way in and let them strip away the distractions of life and world.  The beauty of the written word can do that, you know.

 

 

 

 

It’s not too late to get your copy before Christmas!  Between Heaven and Earth (Poems)  and Chicken Scratch: Stories of Love, Risk & Poultry  are available online at amazon.com.  You can also read more from Kelly on her blog, www.thiscontemplativelife.org.