First Flush

"Orna Ross is a major poet and deserves the world's attention." Robin Cutler: Ingram Spark

"An experienced and adroit writer who effortlessly demonstrates the far-reaching things language can do." kaleeM rajA, The View From Here Literary Review

"Reaches into the corners of your soul and pulls out all that is beautiful." SoWrite Linda

Welcome to the imaginative world of Irish poet Orna Ross. If you're a fan of Maya Angelou, John O'Donoghue, Mary Oliver, or the ancient wisdoms of Rumi or Kabir, you'll find poems here that are likely to inspire you.

Unfailing attuned to the beauty and complexity and interconnectedness of life, this small chapbook is a taster of the sort of contemporary inspirational poetry that is spiritual, not religious.

The poet explains, "I don't believe in gods made in human image. I believe only in what I've experienced myself as real: the spirit that created me creating through me. The mystery of the creative process. So my poems are acts of praise and love, yes, but they don't shy away from life's challenges.

They reflect not just the beauty but also the complexity and interconnectedness of human existence. What the great zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh, calls our "interbeing".

These twelve lush and imaginative poems take many forms, from narrative to haiku, with subjects divided into questions, works, histories, moments, gifts and blessings.

Whether explaining why true love never hurts, gazing at a newborn baby, or translating an ancient Irish blessing into contemporary relevance, each poem in this pamphlet offers access to that open, inner space where "the splendor of creation awaits" us.

Where heart and mind find themselves restored to spirit.