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If one without and with;
Going home is reaching the comfortable forward."
A book lush in its presentation, Elizabeth Clayton offers a telling look at herself in Quiet Sheba, Volume III. In three parts, “Nature,” “Solitude” and “Wisdom,” Clayton crafts short pieces, carefully structured and arranged. Clayton's observations come in the first, the search for the theme of the second, and what is learned and gathered is in the third. No more than one or two pages, the brief stanzas are minimalist in nature, but every word is deftly placed.
Interspersed with original artworks, and nods to spirituality and great masters of the word, Clayton tells her story. Her struggle with mental illness, loss, and a search for peace remind of Sylvia Plath’s detailed battle seen mostly through her diaries. It is not of the Romantic Period style, but moments of tenderness finds their way through Clayton’s pen. Recollections of her late husband Richard are seen in “Knowing Gift.” Many discuss the passage of time, where “The Season of Now” stands out. The poet’s look within draws the reader to continue turning these pages.
One may find the use of words, some particularly obscure, contrived, but there is method and reason. Often one has to stop, to reflect, the way Clayton has clearly placed the verses. There is a natural progression, from piece to piece. Her efforts to get these “right” do not take away from her examination of the soul. The agitation of this is evident, yet controlled. For those who seek to go beyond surface personal emotions, Clayton’s work is literate, intelligent, and thoughtful. Readers of poetry will find an experienced hand, and one unafraid to bare every aspect.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review