by Ruth Rouff

“The first part of this literary collection is devoted to narrative poems, which are notably contemporary, clear, and concise. Rouff’s voice is easily heard, for her style seldom wavers; that is, each poem consists of short lines, and is rarely more than a page long. Her topics vary, from Marilyn Monroe in the title poem to her own harried mother; from baseball’s Roberto Clemente to the subjects of Botticelli’s paintings. Although her deep feelings for those who inhabit her works are obvious, she never sentimentalizes. Turning to her short stories, “The Circus” is a perfect gem, combining the pathos of a family coping with a depressed parent with the humor of the source of their relief. Another favorite, for its poignancy, is “Ten White Russians.” Her consistency of style, paucity of words, and culmination of each narrative, be it poetry or prose, with a twist (not unlike that tart and tasty lemon slice, with rind, that adds zest to a dish or drink) are attributes that place Ruth Rouff’s work on the highest level.” – Rosemary Cappello, Poet, Writer, and Editor of Philadelphia Poets