A Scripture of Leaves

by William Stafford

Collection of poems speaks to the values of peacemaking, simple living, and a deep faith. Stafford uncovers the inner workings of life itself, calling forth images celebrating the goodness of God's creation.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1990

About the author

William Edgar Stafford was an American poet and pacifist, and the father of poet and essayist Kim Stafford. He and his writings are sometimes identified with the Pacific Northwest.

In 1970, he was named Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a position that is now known as Poet Laureate. In 1975, he was named Poet Laureate of Oregon; his tenure in the position lasted until 1990. In 1980, he retired from Lewis & Clark College but continued to travel extensively and give public readings of his poetry. In 1992, he won the Western States Book Award for lifetime achievement in poetry.


Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William...

Reviews

[Frodo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reading of these poems was not very satisfying because I just read quietly through them like I was reading a novel or other piece. Today while recovering in a hospital after surgery I reread, out loud, the entire collection. What a gift!! I will go back and repeat that process later this week.
I was moved by several and plan to pass them on.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to attend a student poetry workshop with William Stafford in college in 1991, I believe. In person he was as gentle and unassuming as his poetry. Later I attended a poetry workshop with Maxine Kumin, and her ego was too big to allow her to give helpful critiques to us "lowly" students. But William Stafford had no pretensions. He was real and delightful and empathetic. I appreciate both the man and his bright life as well as the beautiful legacy of words he left behind.