Ethel Davis

A Letter on the Horizon's Poem Ethel Davis

Having long wondered who the Rumi of my generation could be, Ethel Mortenson Davis's poetry similarly soothes and inspires me. This collection helps us contemplate our relationships with the earth while exploring other companions such as cancer, pain, war, loss of life, and starving horses. We experience healing with the smell of wild snow, the sound of moss clinging to trees, the sight of the moon dancing, and fireflies whispering. Ethel's poetry has accompanied me to a volcano in the New Mexican desert where it was read to the "laughing stars." It has been recited to my classroom of wide-eyed students and currently blesses my bedside table.

Kathy Isaacson, author of four books, Lecturer III, University of New Mexico.

In Ethel Mortenson Davis's engaging, new collection, A Letter on the Horizon's Poem, we see into the vulnerable, tender life of things. Davis offers the reader an unflinching look at the darkness that exists in life, with fierce insights into the very nature of violence, grief, and loss. At times, our inner strength is tested beyond where we think we can go. Davis dares to articulate these struggles and brings to life the courage we must find. There is a thread of steadfastness in this collection, as with the lines, "All we can do / in this world of chaos / is set our bearings / by the stars." Despite sadness and deep disappointment, Davis reminds us that there is always hope for healing. We are encouraged to be "the spirit of wonderment" in this world of the unexpected.

Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor of Blue Heron Review; author of Beauty in the Broken Places and others

To read Ethel Davis' new book is to immerse oneself in the great sorrows and joys of a woman's life journey. Walking her path, Davis takes us with her into unimaginable places of loss, both personal and global, onward to hope and healing. Along the way, we discover magic in her awe of the earth-her beloved New Mexico desert with all its terrible beauty and the northern forests and farm where she was raised.

"In the end," she writes, "all we have is sky," but, thankfully, written across it are brave and tender words that shine a light on what, otherwise, might be missed.

Sharon Auberle, Poet Laureate of Door County, Wisconsin, author of six books.