Horse Prayers Poems from the Prairie
Hooray, it’s the cover of my next book. I know, it’s a totally different look than my other books, and for good reason. This is a 106-page book of poetry and full-color photography. A softcover mini-coffee table book.
I wasn’t sure at first. I admit poetry has been a challenge. And by that I mean, I don’t like a lot of it. That alone was reason enough to commit to writing it. But publish a volume of poetry? Why?
It feels like life picks me up off the ground and shakes me by the shoulders every time I see a bird in the sky. I’m not sure how it got this loud; even my words can’t look away.
But I’m not the first woman on a farm gobsmacked by this simple life with its plain beauty. Living on the land is the ordinary experience of spinning through seasons and lives while inhaling the wind of the Infinite.
Sharing our lives with animals adds another rich layer of dimension.
I’m clearly not over my girlish horse phase. None of us are, so I write love poems to horses, putting words to this equine passion that powers a central part of our lives. What is it that pulls us so fiercely to horses?
New readers, I started this blog to have a place to talk about books and writing, separately from the place I continue to write the horse stuff at annablakeblog.com. Things have stayed in neat piles exactly like they do in my underwear drawer.
THIS WEEK: The poetry book is in its print proofing process. I’ll have the first copy of it in my hands next week. The realities of the publishing world tried to smack me around a bit, but gray mares like me are not to be trifled with. The final result is even better than I imagined. I’m planning a release day in June or July, with a pre-sale available from Amazon soon and signed copies on this website.
And I feel a video book trailer coming on…
My love affair with poems doesn’t threaten my long-term relationship with writing non-fiction. It’s more like an inky ménage à trois. So, I’ll finish volume two of Relaxed & Forward and publish that new book by the end of this year.
Today, I’m at a farm outside Palmer, Alaska, for a horse clinic. The natural beauty is desolate and wild and immense. There’s a shade of live-green on the trees unlike any I’ve seen before. I’m staying with Kaylene Johnson, NYTimes bestselling author of Canyons and Ice, a book about Dick Griffith’s experiences wilderness trekking.
I always want to believe humans are more alike than different; he’s walked vast distances and I inhabit a small farm. I wonder if nature is his church also?
It’s easy to fall in love with the Earth. Every dawn is a new birth and each sunset is an opportunity to take stock our precious time. This book of poems is a thank-you note.
How does nature call to you?
I love it, Anna. Really. My heart is swelling. Can’t wait to be able to put it on my “coffee table.”
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Thanks, Teresa. Consider your copy “gas money.” (PM me your mailing address.)
Anna, I am SO looking forward to getting a copy of your new book! Honestly, I’ve never appreciated poetry much at all – well OK, I’ve always giggled at Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein – but you paint such lovely word pictures I feel I’m there with you. I love your farm and critters, but I especially love how your words improve my vision.
Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words.
“Inky ménage a trois.” I adore this (and the fact that you have graced us with another of your books.
Thank you. I confess, I did giggle out loud about inky.
That when writing is at its finest: something is born that surprises you with cleverness.
Can’t wait! So excited for you Anna!
Thanks, Tammy. Hope you and the family are well.
excited. the cover looks beautiful. poetry was my first love as an awkward teenager, but left it far behind. now as an awkward 60 something i am drawn to it again. nature calls me, through the horses,the countryside and the sea -but hugely through her birds.starting,ending and celebrating each day. looking forward to both new books.
Chris, the same circle back to poetry for me. Thanks.
Well it’s a perfect cover. A grand sunset as we settle into peace. Finished. I love earthy evening smells of Mother Earth. =-)
Me, too. Sunsets are my weakness. Thanks, Deb.
Nature calls to me constantly…. but you show me the words that express it.
Well done on this new venture!
Thanks, Annie. I’m excited.
“I’m not sure how it got this loud; even my words can’t look away.” Oh that is lovely! Looking forward to this, Anna! Thank you.
Thank you, Julie. I appreciate it, coming from you!