This collection of finely crafted and illuminating poems will connect you to the essence of the natural world–its sacred ground and beauty. Powerful, spellbinding photographs complement Carol Aronoff’s masterful literary images, giving both poetry lovers and photography enthusiasts a profound and immersive reading experience. “Unveiling what once was hidden,” this book will inspire you to look at your world in a new and more spiritual light.

Before the New Moon

The time of full dark approached,

moon slipping from crescent to naught

in the space of an earth revolution.

Stars resumed their sparkling repartee,

gathering in mythic constellations

while planets danced to music of the spheres.

Below, the oceans stilled; low tides left

shells and sand dollars stranded on shore.

A lone sea gull threaded his way

through kelp and seaweed, signaling

with single caw, the perfection of night.

A sough of wind whisked softly

through coconut fronds, turning them

in their sleep. Mice stirred through dead

leaves looking for fleshy roots and seeds.

With the death of moon, night opened

to the formless. Shadow dwellers

left their caves and alleys collecting

like rainwater in abandoned wells.

No one spoke. Breaking the silence

would have given birth to form.