These poems speak with clarity and composure that illuminate the moments Jeanie Greensfelder asks us to consider. And these moments span a life. Girls hoping for kisses ride a merry-go-ground; a mother hides evidence of a teenage and failed marriage; a daughter works a jigsaw puzzle, filling in “the tedious sky and earth”; a couple celebrating a 42nd anniversary debates their first date; a sudden illness leaves the speaker “almost believing life will end.” There is a bite to these poems I trust and a grace to their making I admire. Greensfelder writes “At the jasmine vine by my front door, a raindrop, suspended on a stem, stops me” and I, too, pause in gratitude.—Lisa Coffman, author of Less Obvious Gods and Likely Witty and wise, these well-crafted poems describe one woman’s life-long search for meaning from early childhood to anticipation of the inevitable coup de grace. Jeanie Greensfelder shares her journey with tender acceptance of her many selves, her flaws and achievements, loves and losses, and we respond with deep pleasure because we recognize her story as our own. — Margaret Van Every, author of A Pillow Stuffed with Diamonds, Saying Her Name, and holding hands with a stranger“ Granted the chance/ how does one say goodbye?” These poems answer that question. Memory pulled through a sieve: loneliness of childhood, humor of adulthood. Jeanie offers a lyrical description and empathetic understanding of what makes a good life.— Leslie St. John, author of Beauty Like A Rope Witty and wise, these well-crafted poems describe one woman's life-long search for meaning from early childhood to anticipation of the inevitable coup de grace. Jeanie Greensfelder shares her journey with tender acceptance of her many selves, her flaws and achievements, loves and losses, and we respond with deep pleasure because we recognize her story as our own. -- Margaret Van Every, author of A Pillow Stuffed with Diamonds, Saying Her Name, and holding hands with a stranger "Granted the chance/ how does one say goodbye?" These poems answer that question. Memory pulled through a sieve: loneliness of childhood, humor of adulthood. Jeanie offers a lyrical description and empathetic understanding of what makes a good life. -- Leslie St. John, author of Beauty Like A Rope