These poems mine deeply for a richness in both language and imagery that cuts against the flatness of much contemporary poetry. With deep roots in nature poetry like Mary Oliver’s, as well as in memories of childhood and the excited and worried journeys of adult life, The Tears of Things: Poems renders the world in full.—Jesse Graves, author of Merciful Days and poet-in-residence at East Tennessee State University

In precise language and detailed imagery, Catherine Hamrick traces cycles of human illness and loss over four seasons. The persistence of memory and the insistence on perseverance—to understand, to make peace, to come out on the other side—is rewarded by a fifth season, a lagniappe of acceptance and joy. Throughout this powerful, sophisticated collection, the unexpected and breathtaking beauty of nature is observed with immense care and accuracy.—Jay Lamar, editor of Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging

The Tears of Things: Poems is a stunning journey into Catherine Hamrick’s relationship with nature. Her beautiful, sensual poems waste no words, evoking images that stir something deeper. Take your time experiencing these rich creations. You will want to taste them more than once.—T.K. Thorne, author of The Magic City Stories Trilogy and Behind the Magic Curtain

Catherine Hamrick is available to speak at libraries, schools, book clubs, bookstores, or writing groups. With a teaching background in communication arts and writing, as well as a career in magazine and book publishing (Time Inc. and Dotdash Meredith), she enjoys engaging audiences.

Presentations and Themed Readings

• No MFA? No worries! How to submit to journals
• Headed to a book conference? Tips for prepping and pitching
• Tap into your senses, enrich your writing
• Poetry: turning to nature for respite, healing (depression and anxiety), and gratitude
• Poetry: cycling through life’s seasons (changing relationships, relocations, caring for and losing loved ones)