Shall We Dance?: Poems of Desire and Meditation

As is seen in Susan K. Hagens first poem in Shall We Dance? she celebrates not only the natural world but a rare joy in being alive. Just as passion desire and longing are poetic themes explored again and again in the poems of Mary Oliver they live on in Hagens work. And there is a vibrant reverence informing these poems: instead of a strong wind being a cruel wind it becomes the kiss of the spirit. Gardens being her Gethsemane she brings her readers there for love protection and ultimately for universal peace. The readers answer to this poets question raised in the title poem should be Yes we will waltz to the wind like all the trees of the world. Through keen observation Susan K. Hagen unveils a plethora of wisdom by addressing a gardens alluring power to feed the soul. Just as the notable 14th century poet Hafiz presents an idolized Belovèd in ghazals that quiet the spirit the speaker in Hagens masterful poems offers equally compelling insights gleaned from a Belovèd. An experienced gardener the author addresses an array of themes in lyrical poems that invite the reader to look closely at the natural world-at its trees waltzing to the wind and birds flitting to the rhythm of dance. Collectively these illuminating poems enrich our lives with revelations that will resonate for years.