Mystic Connections

This volume of seamlessly-woven poems of joy and loss, mysticism and sensual earthiness, begins on a supernatural shamanic plane. Gradually, as the familiar reality of grass, flowers, trees and stone appears, an escaped slave becomes a river rock to be contemplated as he wears away. The color red stands for moments of peak existence. A drop of dew in Carl Sandburg's garden transforms the poet so she (and the reader) knows "that nothing ordinary/would ever exist again." Though the poems are mostly lyrical, there's narrative, too; and lists, lamentations, prayers and eulogies as well. The passing of a mother, father and even a beloved pet are lovingly but honestly documented in sensual language and with surprising insight.But the poet doesn't leave us with loss. Her book is crafted like a sacred circular hoop, and by the end, she's returned to the ethereal state with which she began, leaving us in a place of transcendent joy. With this book, Coleman guides us with her wisdom and experience, forged in the fire of life. Although women will particularly enjoy it, there's something for everyone who seeks the spiritual in this sensual world.