Eye of the Beholder (Paraclete Poetry) Paperback – October 16, 2018

I added this book to my top dozen books - books that I read and re-read. The poetry is thoughtful and lyrical.

I first learned about Luci Shaw from my minister who talked about her from the pulpit. As a poet, I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of her, so quickly looked her up. Recently when I learned she was 90 and had written this book, I had to buy it. I have lost several friends in their 90's and miss their wisdom. My own mother is 95. The majority of the poems are poems of thanksgiving. Some seem simple, but on second reading one can see that Shaw's visions are unique and that she seeks to write "what heaven has dictated." "Sometimes," she writes, "I just have to throw words into the air and see what happens." What happens is really up to the reader if he or she, too, feels thankful even for "minor" blessings like tweezers or change, or an apology ("Signs," pg. 8). Read what snow geese call her to do ("Snow Geese," pg. 9) or what happens "November 2," pg. 10. After cataract surgery, read what she hopes for ("Cataract," pg. 15-16). God is in these poems ("Chalices," pg. 21,) questions of justice ("Somewhere," pg. 27. ) and longing for connection and "linkage," (Filaments, pg. 31). She addresses Moses in "Sinai, pg.34-5, physical decline in "Regrettable," pg. 40-41, and a writer who has no time to write in "Jungle Surgery," pg. 43. She is not afraid to make fun of herself, as in "Sometimes a Prayer," pg, 42. Nature is in most of the poems and one can picture her driving in Big Sur seeking stones, (Stone Seeker," pg. 48-9, or observing a moth at a Shakespeare play in Ashland, Oregon ("The White Moth of Ashland," pg. 53. Shaw's God is a benevolent God that heals over and over ("Our Prayers Break on God," pg. 70. In Part III, "Everything Belongs," she addresses a tiny "Sugar Pea," pg. 77, talks of another surgery and writes about memories, like her mother's voice. She is always thankful, observant, and seeking newness, yet doesn't shy away from talking about violence ("Separation," pg. 89) or her mother's disappointment in her, "Expectation," pg. 94. In her touching Epilogue poem, "To What End This First and Final LIfe?" pg. 107-8, Shaw prays that when she surrenders, the world will "grow me like a poem, something new." The reader will find something new here. This is a book to be read again and again, one or two poems at a time. Her voice is fresh and new, even at 90. I want more Luci Shaw!

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER poems by Luci Shaw, published by Paraclete Press in 2018, is excellent. I have been reading her books for many years, and appreciate her craft and sharing of her life experience and wisdom as she grows older. Reading and rereading this book, which she dedicates to Jeanne Murray Walker, is also leading me to return to other books. Thank you. Highly recommended.Ellen G. Olinger, Ed.D

According to Richard Rohr, the prophets in a social structure stand off-center in a place of observation. Their position on “the edge of inside” affords them a view that is informed and yet independent. From this vantage point, the Apostle John was given the divine direction: “Write what you see.” And he saw plenty.At 90, Luci Shaw is still standing on “the edge of inside,” and she’s still enjoying the view. Her exuberance for life bubbles forth in words that stun and inspire, and her latest collection of poetry takes on topics as diverse as weather, prayer, aging and the writing process–all with seasoned wisdom.An active outdoor life feeds Luci’s love of planet Earth, and Eye of the Beholder (Paraclete Poetry) invites readers to join her as she beholds the splendor. The frozen edge of a shallow bay becomes “a collar of intricate lace.” (52) The movement of water under a buffet of wind is “like silk breathing.” (54) In early spring, “tulip bulbs dream their own vegetable praise,” (66) while beloved birds, “music with feathers,” join in singing their own unique psalms. (22)Beholding the SplendorGenerativity is a theme that ripples through Shaw’s words with integrity, for she is busy living her way into and through the aging process with its arthritis and its indignities by continuing to hone her craft and by daring to “dream optimism.” (87)And no one writes seasonal poetry like Luci Shaw. The adornment of trees and moods of sky image their way into her words, and having composed original verse for her Christmas greetings since she was a child, her renderings of the biblical themes around incarnation and the glorious mysteries cause the deep Truth to sparkle anew:“The dogwood leaves turn iron red in Fall,their centers fully ripening–into small seeded balls,each one a fruit vivid as Mary’s love, and edible.The scion tree, once sprung from Jesse’s root,speaks pain and life and love compressedand taken in, eye, mouth, heart. Incrediblethat now all Eucharists in our year suggestthe living Jesus is our Christmas guest.” (23)When the eye of the beholder is connected to a poetic gift, the view is fresh and challenging, but everyone with an incarnational view of the universe is invited to behold the splendor in her own way. “Ordinary things may reveal the extraordinary for those willing to take time to investigate and ponder.” For Luci Shaw, ninety years of seeing has not taken the edge off wonder. This collection of new poems that focuses on the particulars and connects the dots to imagination are all the invitation I need.Many thanks to Paraclete Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.

Luci Shaw is an inspiring writer, still penning thoughtful poems as a nonagenarian. Whether she's writing about the genius of snow (p. 105) or eating dinner with aging cousins (p. 97) or reminding us how God feels our pain and works toward healing (p. 70), she relays a quick wit, engaging ideas, and new ways of considering our relationship to the Divine Presence. His breath is everywhere in this book: extolled, questioned, remembered. Her gratitude for words, poetry, and communion know no end in this collection. May Shaw's creative output and worship continue to bless her readers and all associated with them!