Customer Reviews:

• "I must comment on the handsome, professional appearance of the chapbook, "Poetic Nature in the Hoosierland." Three of my poems are printed in it, and as I waited for the book to come out I wasn't expecting anything like what I received in the mail. First of all, my name was spelled correctly. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but I've won contests for poems and essays before only to have my name misspelled in the publication. And the appearance: truly first class. It's so attractive, you forget it's a chapbook. I'll be dusting this one with my hardcovers. Thanks to Stacy Smith for having such good taste in choosing a publisher, and thanks to Shadows Ink for the truly professional job." - Charles Huston Reisfar

• "Whether humorous or thought provoking, these Indiana poets have penned their words to create vivid pictures of nature, reminding us of our connection to each other, to plants, and to animals. Each reader will appreciate nature and the environment with new awareness, alerting the senses to God’s hand in our marvelous world. A poetry contest was held, with 62 poems by 39 poets chosen from entries all across the state. Royalties from the publication of the chapbook will benefit Mounds State Park of Anderson, Indiana." - R. Boss, Friendship Gardens

• "Official Apex Reviews Rating: 5 Stars

Since time immemorial, nature has inspired generations of authors and artists to create moving, celebratory works of art. Given its vast, expansive territory, nature and its surrogate elements influence its admirers in myriad different ways, guaranteeing that no two people will ever observe its grand splendor and see it the same.

Such is the case with – and the main point of – Poetic Nature In The Hoosierland. Edited by Stacy Smith, the comprehensive chapbook was compiled from numerous entries to a poetry contest held for Indiana residents. The sole requirement of the competition: to craft genuine, authentic works of poetry highlighting the various elements of the environment. With approximately 80 total pieces, Hoosierland presents readers with a varied assortment of literary treats from poets of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Consider, for example, this excerpt from “Springtime Alive” by Monica Clark:

        “In springtime, I’m excited,
        when the robin’s finally sighted
        and the blackbird with the red wing,
        is squawking for a mate.

        When the tree frog starts its peeping,
        and the raccoon stops its sleeping,
        and the spotted fawn is walking,
        with a shaky, wobbly gait.”

And this piece, “Ageless Moon,” by Stacy Smith:

        “As the moon shadowed trees again,
        I pondered at its smiling face,
        Just like my beloved kin,
        From another time and another place…
        And I fondly smiled back.”

As is clear from the previous passages, each person’s individual take on nature – particularly its multi-faceted appearance – strikes an intensely personal chord.

Despite the differences in how they observe nature, though, one theme common to authors and artists alike is their tendency to ascribe anthropomorphic qualities to it. Comparing it to family members, friends, or people in general helps them – and their readers – identify with the awesome power and might that often proves difficult to fathom in full.

As a perfect example, witness this passage from “The Old Willow Tree” by Shelly Ann (Klepfer) Fruitt:

        “Willow tree talk to me!
        I beg to know everything you have seen!
        Have you seen covered wagons and Indians,
        Storms and cabins, sickness, death and birth?
        Was there war within your branches reach?
        Was there a first kiss hidden behind your trunk far for anyone to see?
        Proposal of marriage overheard only by you?
        Picnic with fried chicken and children galore on a Sunday afternoon?
        Life would be nonexistent without you.
        Always giving and never taking.
        You see, hear and feel more than I ever will.”

And this piece, entitled “Couturier,” by Jane Wilson Maskel:

        “Early morning,
        the lake is smooth taffeta.
        An inspired breeze decides to create:
        He fashions rows of tucks
        across its shimmering length,
        ripples and swirls his fabric,
        then adds one perfect water lily…
                right…
                          there.”

Whether you’re from Indiana or not, the poems featured in Poetic Nature In The Hoosierland will no doubt increase your appreciation of the state, as well as nature in general. With a wide variety of pieces touching on every aspect of the environment imaginable, this impressive collection is a well-crafted, refreshing poetic treat. Recommended for poetry lovers everywhere." - Wendy Paulson, Apex Reviews