As we celebrate our dear story-teller, poet, blogger, and wise-woman Sue Vincent, I’d thought I would share my favorite book of her poetry.
Below is a sublimely beautiful poem from its pages, and my review. If you enjoy it, consider picking up a copy for own heart’s enjoyment. ❤
Flowers
by Sue Vincent
There were always flowers.
Orchids pinned upon a mother’s breast,
All lace and diamonds.
Long black gloves
And painted lips,
As she left, laughing.
A child who watched
As the door closed.
*
There were flowers…
Yellow tulips,
Cellophane and ribbon
A girl who blushed
As the curtain fell
Upon the stage;
She cradled them,
A first bouquet.
*
There were flowers,
Roses and lilies
White, in hands and hair,
Their fragrance mingled
With frankincense,
A ghost of awe and wonder
Finding a home
In memory.
*
There were flowers…
Rainbow hued,
Everywhere.
Greeting a life newborn,
With love and welcome,
Lighting stark severity
As a babe cried.
*
There were flowers…
Daisy chains
Around his brow,
Crowning him with sunlight,
In laughter,
In simplicity,
In love.
*
There were flowers,
Three roses,
Red as life,
Placed in a cold hand,
One for each heart
Saying farewell.
Too long,
Too soon.
*
There are flowers,
Heather and bluebells
Painting horizons
Still unexplored.
Pathways of petals
Laugh at our feet,
Inviting.
*
In joy or sorrow,
When the tears fall,
There are always flowers.
*
My Review
This collection of 52 poems by Sue Vincent is a gem. I’d give this book 6 stars if I could. It’s hard to put into words how moving I found Vincent’s poetry. The poems are free form reflections on the profound moments of life, the deep emotional wells of love, loss, and memories, the rhythms of nature reflected in our journeys, and the poignant journeys themselves.
It was almost impossible to pick out a few favorites, but I’m giving it a try: “I See You” is an exquisite poem about aging and the lasting echoes of youth that we carry inside our memories. “Flowers” (which makes me weepy just thinking about it) chronicles a woman’s life-stages in flowers from birth through death. Two touching poems are told from the point of view of someone watching a loved one sleep. They’re both gentle and heartachingly beautiful. “Just for a Moment” is a rare syllabic poem in the collection about the peace of love, and “Memory” about love lost.
Though the poems can be read in an hour or so, I would suggest savoring them. Highly recommended.
*
You can connect with Sue here:
Blog: Daily Echo – Echoes of Life
Check out today’s beautiful post from Sue: Impression of Contentment
Happy Valentine’s Day. Hugs.
Myths of the Mirror 
Hi Diana, I’ve been away from the blogs for a while. I only learned about Sue’s passing this morning from Tallis’ tribute. 😦 I was visiting her blog, and as Tallis had put it “a writer cannot die” and I stumbled upon your beautiful review of her poetry book. So, thank you so much for this. ❤
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Sue was such a large part of our blogging and writing community, Khaya. It’s been a sad few days as everyone shares their memories and sorrows. Her book is sublime and I was delighted to share it. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hugs. ❤
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks so much for sharing the post. Sue writes beautiful poetry and it was my honor to share her poem and my review. Have a lovely day and Happy Writing. 🙂
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Thanks for such a great review. Was more than happy to share it with followers!! You have a great Sunday! Happy writing to you too!
Chuck
😊✨🌹🌹
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🙂
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😊💖🌹
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Amazing poem!! Thanks for sharing it here with us, Diana! ❤
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You’re so welcome, Sarah. The first time I read this poem from Sue was when my mom was ill. It touched me and has stuck with me since. Her book is beautiful, and I’m delighted to share it. Thanks so much for the visit, my friend. Have a lovely day. Hugs.
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Beautiful lines! And the illustration too is as lovely as the poetry!💜
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read, Yuvi. Sue is a wonderful poet and this is one of my favorite poems. Have a lovely day and Happy March.
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Poetry was dramatic. I missed it very much.
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Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. Much appreciated. Have a beautiful day.
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Welcome for lending me your valuable replied
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I need to get this…
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It’s just beautiful, Maritza. The poems are tender and poignant and mystical, and they’ve stuck with me a long time. Enjoy ❤
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Quite lovely.
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Thanks so much for visiting, Betsy. Sue writes some heartrending poetry. My mom was sick and in the hospital when I first read this poem, and it’s stayed with me since. Have a lovely Sunday with your family. ❤
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Wow, that you read this at that time and it stayed with you… That’s when you know it’s good poetry and that it’s doing its job. 🙂
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My mom made it, but the poem had me weeping. I’m so happy to share this beautiful book.
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You’re a good blog friend. 🙂
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How awesome….brought tears to my eyes…some happy…some sad. Thanks for sharing!!
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Thanks for taking a peek, Kirt. I’m a huge fan on Sue’s poetry. So beautiful and full of poignancy. Love, loss, our human journey, our connection to life and spirit. All here. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely Sunday! 😀
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What a beautiful poem from Sue! She completed the entire cycle of birth and death on those few words. Thank you for sharing and for your fabulous review!
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Thanks for reading, Jan. Sue’s poetry is touching and it has a way of sticking with me. I loved this poem when I first read it, and still do. ❤ Have a peaceful Sunday and week ahead. I hope things are improving in Texas. My heart goes out to those who are struggling in your state. ❤
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Lovely review, Diana. I haven’t read anything of Sue’s for a while. This sounds relaxing.
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It’s so beautiful, Kevin. Sue has a way of evoking the tenderness and poignancy of life. I’m so glad you enjoyed the review. Have a lovely week, Happy Reading!
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And to you, Diana. 🙂
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This is so beautiful✨❤
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Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed Sue’s poe. The book is sublime. Have a lovely weekend, Shreya, and Happy Reading. 🙂
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Beautiful
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Thank you so much for the visit, Rajeish. Sue is a lovely writer and I’m delighted to share her work here. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I want to share this fabulous poem on my blog. I can’t seem to find it on Sues blog. I think I will just reblog this. Unless, you might have a better idea? Sincerely, Resa x
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You can certainly reblog it! But… Sue has a beautiful version on her blog with gorgeous photos. I’d reblog that one. Here’s the link:
https://scvincent.com/2018/05/11/flowers-3/
Thanks soooo much, Resa ❤
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Wow this is beautiful now i am taking my life choices into consideration after reading this. ✊❤💜
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Thanks so much for reading the poem and review. The book is beautiful and so touching. I’m at a reflective age and the poems spoke so deeply to me. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Reading.
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A marvelous choice and review, Diana. This selection is exquisite. Definitely something to be savored. Hugs all around.
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m happy to share this book and poem. One of my favs that’s stuck with me for a few years now. Such beautiful writing from Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed it, my friend. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!
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Well…this is nicely done well done.I guess it’s a Vincent thing quality runs in all the Vincent.this is great
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read. I think it must be a Vincent thing. 🙂 Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend.
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This is beautiful
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Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and read. The whole collection of poems is lovely. One of my favorite. Have a lovely Friday and weekend. ❤
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A beautiful poem, indeed, D. The full spectrum of how we enjoy and use flowers. My favorite is ‘Pathway of petals” reminding me of all the wilderness trails I have hiked over the years that have been blessed with flowers. –Curt
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Curt. I first read this poem when my mom was ill and I didn’t think she was going to make it. It’s stuck with me since. And I’ve hiked among those alpine fields of flowers. Beautiful. 😀
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Our home backs up to a million acres of national forest, D, and spring is coming. Soon the woods will be filled with beautiful wild flowers. And we hike there almost every day that we are here. 🙂
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Sounds wonderful.
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“Flowers” is a lovely poem, and I really like how Sue used flowers as a way to measure time. Beautiful!
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I agree, Priscilla, a woman’s life in flowers. This was meaningful poem that’s stuck with me. Delighted to share it and so glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing. 🙂
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What a lovely poem… thank you for sharing this one, Diana:)
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Thanks so much for the visit and comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. Sue is a wonderful writer and it was my pleasure to share. Have a lovely day and Happy Writing!
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Such beauty in a poem is rare. A must have book. Thank you dear Diana for sharing this ! Congratulations to Sue. This is lovely!
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I think you’d enjoy the poems in this collection, Holly. They have the same kind of poignancy as as yours do, striking right at the heart. I have a bunch of favorites in here. Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy savoring…
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I’m most impressed dear Diana. A lovely book. You always uncover the finest!
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I have two of Sue’s books featuring Ani and I’m reading both of them at the moment. Having seen this review I know I have to buy this book, too. Thanks.
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Oh Alex, if you enjoy poetry that moves you, you’ll love this book. It’s stuck with me for years, and I except I’ll read it again and again. I enjoy the humor and fun of Ani’s books. This is entirely different. I do hope you give it a try. Hugs, my friend. Thanks for the visit!
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Off to buy it now!
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Enjoy! Hugs.
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I’ve sent for the paperback because I like to come back to poems I’ve enjoyed and it’s easier that way.
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A great choice. ❤
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🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹this flower will be fenced with love forever and ever😭😭😭😭😭this peom should be a continuation of my poet mother’s love on my page💋💋💋💋
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Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 😀
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U welcome 🙏
I enjoyed it and been emotional since I read that ☺️☺️but am fine now
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This is such a beautiful poem. It makes me think of times in my life when flowers played a role and, just like in the poem, they are times of great joy and times of great sadness. Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem and the book of poetry it came from. ❤️
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Thanks, Tessa. That’s exactly how I read it… the milestones in a woman’s life expressed in flowers. So emotional. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Sue is a wonderful writer and this book is sublime. Have a great week and Happy Reading. ❤
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I have this book in my Kindle. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. Later, I’ll be off to read the poems you highlighted. “Flowers” is amazing. Lovely review.
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Thanks, Mary. It’s a book to be savored. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Sue writes beautifully and I’m delighted to share her book. Stay well, my friend, and have a wonderful week. ❤ Hugs.
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Her poems are beautiful, Diana. Yes, the one you chose as a highlight “flowers” is stunning as it evokes the passage of time of humankind.
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I thought so, Terri, a life in flowers, and I connected to each of the milestones. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I’m delighted to highlight this beautiful writer and blogging friend. ❤ Thanks so much for joining in.
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Lovely review, Diana. Sue is a truly gifted poet and writer. ❤
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Thanks so much for your visit and lovely comment, Eliza. I’m delighted to share this beautiful poem and book. Sue’s poetry has been meaningful to me through the years. Have a lovely week, and happy reading. ❤
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Glorious! Can’t wait to read more… ❤ Sharing!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Bette. If you pick the book up, I’m pretty sure you’re going to find it moving. Happy Reading. Hugs ❤
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It’s on my kindle! ❤
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❤ ❤ ❤
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If that poem was a good example of the rest, then that book must be wonderful. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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It is, Ann. I enjoyed sooo many of the poems. I read this one when my mom was terribly sick, so its stuck with me, but the entire book is stunning. Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful week. 😀
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