In this collection of 62 poems, author April Phillips Boone celebrates the beauty of an area featured in a 2012 special edition of National Geographic as one of the world’s top 50 last great places: Lake Jocassee and its wilderness of steep river gorges on the North and South Carolina border, once home to the Lower Cherokee clans. Though Lake Jocassee enthusiasts will appreciate the research as well as the details captured by the author during her kayaking trips there, these poems will also appeal everywhere to kayakers; those who love rivers, waterfalls, and lakes; nature lovers; wildlife enthusiasts; bird lovers; thinkers; and those who enjoy connecting with God through the outdoors. At times, Boone’s scope expands outward to correlate Jocassee with waters, places, and creatures worldwide, bringing together an astounding range of topics from diverse fields including geology, meteorology, physics, biology, animal behavior, environmental conservationism, psychology, literature, philosophy, and music, and exploring spiritual matters such as human nature, angels, theology, and Christ as author of Creation. Nearly all of these poems are set on the water or have water and the life it supports as a related theme. Touching everything from the elements to the afterlife, this poet’s work moves readers to overcome grief, loss, and fear by coming to a place of wonder at the energy of life in all its forms; awe at the intricate beauties of nature’s details; and joy at knowing the Creator of this water-blessed world. The book includes a three-part Introduction with insight into the author’s philosophies of Christian Romanticism and Christian Mysticism, details on what shaped her perspective and revisions, and general tips on reading and understanding poetry. An extensive Notes section in back clarifies references and provides further information on Jocassee’s history, people, and places.
