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Bright Dust
'We met too soon, some said,
and now you are gone,
and I am looking at the dawn
of a thousand tomorrows,
still holding onto yesterday’s sun.’
‘Beautiful and haunting ... If you’re in need of some poetry - this is the collection you need for some angsty mood reading.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NetGalley reviewer, Educator
‘Wonderful ...Truly beautiful and moving.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Goodreads reviewer, Librarian
‘I found myself imagining flying free with songs on darkened wings, all knowing yet little seen, and holding in my hands a thousand suns. It was exhilarating.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads reviewer, Educator
Bright Dust is author Jane Lightbourne’s first poetry collection, published by award-winning Nevada Street Press.
Reminiscent of the work of early 20th century imagist poets, these poems celebrate all forms of love, from desire to treachery and betrayal, from love as destroyer to love’s destruction and loss, the consolations of domestic love, and finally to the ultimate solace found in the force and beauty of the natural world, and the peace that comes from an acceptance of our place within it.
Readers are invited to contemplate the intricacies of human experience through carefully written, poignant verses that are brief, evocative, and thought-provoking.
Praise for Bright Dust
‘Beautiful and profound but also tender and enigmatic, Bright Dust is a poetic odyssey that captures the essence of the human condition, making it a testament to Jane Lightbourne's promising talent in the literary world … Lightbourne’s work invites an appreciation for the subtle complexities of life and love, rendered with a delicate touch that speaks to the fragility and beauty of human connections.’ The International Review of Books (AWARDED A BADGE OF EXCELLENCE)
Jane Lightbourne is also the author of Loss, a love story, for adults, and two chapter books for children, My Cat Called Red and A Tale of Three Tabbies.
and now you are gone,
and I am looking at the dawn
of a thousand tomorrows,
still holding onto yesterday’s sun.’
‘Beautiful and haunting ... If you’re in need of some poetry - this is the collection you need for some angsty mood reading.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NetGalley reviewer, Educator
‘Wonderful ...Truly beautiful and moving.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Goodreads reviewer, Librarian
‘I found myself imagining flying free with songs on darkened wings, all knowing yet little seen, and holding in my hands a thousand suns. It was exhilarating.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads reviewer, Educator
Bright Dust is author Jane Lightbourne’s first poetry collection, published by award-winning Nevada Street Press.
Reminiscent of the work of early 20th century imagist poets, these poems celebrate all forms of love, from desire to treachery and betrayal, from love as destroyer to love’s destruction and loss, the consolations of domestic love, and finally to the ultimate solace found in the force and beauty of the natural world, and the peace that comes from an acceptance of our place within it.
Readers are invited to contemplate the intricacies of human experience through carefully written, poignant verses that are brief, evocative, and thought-provoking.
Praise for Bright Dust
‘Beautiful and profound but also tender and enigmatic, Bright Dust is a poetic odyssey that captures the essence of the human condition, making it a testament to Jane Lightbourne's promising talent in the literary world … Lightbourne’s work invites an appreciation for the subtle complexities of life and love, rendered with a delicate touch that speaks to the fragility and beauty of human connections.’ The International Review of Books (AWARDED A BADGE OF EXCELLENCE)
Jane Lightbourne is also the author of Loss, a love story, for adults, and two chapter books for children, My Cat Called Red and A Tale of Three Tabbies.
- GenresPoetry
136 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lightbourne
6 books3 followersJane lives in London with her three children and two rescue cats. She has worked as a lawyer as well as writing fiction and poetry.
Jane’s first poetry collection, Bright Dust, is described by the International Review of Books as ‘Beautiful and profound but also tender and enigmatic.’ Her second collection, Light Beneath the Lids, is out now
Jane’s other titles include Loss and Hannah for adults, and for children 7 to 11 A Tale of Three Tabbies, described by LoveReading4Kids as ‘a heart-warming survival story – a tale of hope, humanity, triumph over danger and adversity, and winning against all the odds,’ and My Cat Called Red, described by Blackheath Books & Bubbles as ‘a book that really moves you & touches your heart & soul.’
Nevada Street Press was shortlisted in the Made in Greenwich category for the Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2023, awarded Best Emerging Independent Publisher 2024 (UK Enterprise Awards 2024) and Emerging Independent Publisher of the Year 2025 - UK (Business Excellence Awards).
Jane’s first poetry collection, Bright Dust, is described by the International Review of Books as ‘Beautiful and profound but also tender and enigmatic.’ Her second collection, Light Beneath the Lids, is out now
Jane’s other titles include Loss and Hannah for adults, and for children 7 to 11 A Tale of Three Tabbies, described by LoveReading4Kids as ‘a heart-warming survival story – a tale of hope, humanity, triumph over danger and adversity, and winning against all the odds,’ and My Cat Called Red, described by Blackheath Books & Bubbles as ‘a book that really moves you & touches your heart & soul.’
Nevada Street Press was shortlisted in the Made in Greenwich category for the Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2023, awarded Best Emerging Independent Publisher 2024 (UK Enterprise Awards 2024) and Emerging Independent Publisher of the Year 2025 - UK (Business Excellence Awards).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 24, 2024
Jane Lightborne's "Bright Dust" brings on a range of emotions, many of which include grief, loss, and love.
Having read a lot of poetry and having a lot of friends who are poets, I love reading the different styles and approaches that each and every poet takes. Jane does a great job in this book of not making every poem about the same subject, as she has poems about relationships, situationships, potentially death (? at least that's what I picked up in a few poems), the spark of meeting someone new during the early death of a current relationship, her child, her love for the different seasons, and so on. As you can see, many different topics! Which I love! Because maybe it is all one topic described through imagery, or maybe it really *is* about a plethora of different things. Poetry can be subjective, and people take away different things, which is what makes it so great.
Finishing with my favorite poem from the book:
"Maybe the moon made you,
but I knew you as
sinew and bone,
a slice of sun as it shines on stone,
a diamond,
softened in the tender arms of
night."
4 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Having read a lot of poetry and having a lot of friends who are poets, I love reading the different styles and approaches that each and every poet takes. Jane does a great job in this book of not making every poem about the same subject, as she has poems about relationships, situationships, potentially death (? at least that's what I picked up in a few poems), the spark of meeting someone new during the early death of a current relationship, her child, her love for the different seasons, and so on. As you can see, many different topics! Which I love! Because maybe it is all one topic described through imagery, or maybe it really *is* about a plethora of different things. Poetry can be subjective, and people take away different things, which is what makes it so great.
Finishing with my favorite poem from the book:
"Maybe the moon made you,
but I knew you as
sinew and bone,
a slice of sun as it shines on stone,
a diamond,
softened in the tender arms of
night."
4 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Read
April 21, 2024This collection contains poems which touch on love in its various forms (including a memorial poem for a beloved cat which I appreciated being included!) There were several poems that resonated with me, and some of the lines and metaphors worked really well in their simplicity and style.
However, as a collection I don't know if it works - the repetition in motifs and word choice make many of the poems feel too similar, and I think it would have been a tighter collection of some of the poems had been combined and the author has explored additional metaphors (birds, fire, and music were all mentioned several times, with a few stand out lines before it started feeling tired). I think the author has good potential and I'd check out future work by her!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, as a collection I don't know if it works - the repetition in motifs and word choice make many of the poems feel too similar, and I think it would have been a tighter collection of some of the poems had been combined and the author has explored additional metaphors (birds, fire, and music were all mentioned several times, with a few stand out lines before it started feeling tired). I think the author has good potential and I'd check out future work by her!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
I've been having a hard time with modern poetry these days these days and yet this worked for me. While the language is gentle and simple, there is still meaning in the way the words have been strung together.
I've been having a hard time with modern poetry these days these days and yet this worked for me. While the language is gentle and simple, there is still meaning in the way the words have been strung together.
April 20, 2024
A moving collection of poems exploring the human experience. The poems also celebrate love whilst examining grief. There are some really lovely and memorable passages in the collection as well as some poignant verses.
Thank you to Net Galley and Nevada Street Press for providing a copy of the collection in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Nevada Street Press for providing a copy of the collection in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2024
Wonderful. Wonderful in the sense that these lines are filled with wonder.
I can't explain how comforting I found this collection. There's a mature reassurance to the messages within the words. To me, it felt so nurturing, like an imparting of wisdom from a life well lived; a life that has experienced love and pain and beauty. Someone who has seen the world yet yearned for more. Truly beautiful and moving.
Nature, colour, life. Life, as Lightbourne explores love, grief, loss - the ageing years of life.
Wonderful. Wonderful in the sense that these lines are filled with wonder.
I can't explain how comforting I found this collection. There's a mature reassurance to the messages within the words. To me, it felt so nurturing, like an imparting of wisdom from a life well lived; a life that has experienced love and pain and beauty. Someone who has seen the world yet yearned for more. Truly beautiful and moving.
Nature, colour, life. Life, as Lightbourne explores love, grief, loss - the ageing years of life.
Sunflowers, Loss and The Gates of Heaven. I wonder why only two of these poems are titled? Is it to emphasise and highlight them to us? Or, perhaps, the others were simply too 'full' to title, Too full of heart to put a name to? Perhaps a significance to the number three. Something I pondered for a while. I guess that's the beauty of the poetry; interpretation.
Such beautiful & purposeful, thought provoking & emotive poetry.
Thank you so much for this ARC, what a real treat,
***Spoilers***
A few of my favourite lines...
🔹When you ask me how love comes,
I say you’ll find it in a poem
🔹Maybe the moon made you,
but I knew you as
sinew and bone
🔹The cradle lies empty ~
I fill it with my tears.
🔹Love comes,
soft as snowfall, to cover us
🔹as grass before
the fingers of
the wind.
🔹The river runs;
on its banks grow wildflowers
that bend their stems
to the seasons’ intent;
they whisper
‘it is time,
it is time.’
🔹Silence is one heart’s murmur,
the roar at the water’s edge
🔹where
you are,
am I.
I can't explain how comforting I found this collection. There's a mature reassurance to the messages within the words. To me, it felt so nurturing, like an imparting of wisdom from a life well lived; a life that has experienced love and pain and beauty. Someone who has seen the world yet yearned for more. Truly beautiful and moving.
Nature, colour, life. Life, as Lightbourne explores love, grief, loss - the ageing years of life.
Wonderful. Wonderful in the sense that these lines are filled with wonder.
I can't explain how comforting I found this collection. There's a mature reassurance to the messages within the words. To me, it felt so nurturing, like an imparting of wisdom from a life well lived; a life that has experienced love and pain and beauty. Someone who has seen the world yet yearned for more. Truly beautiful and moving.
Nature, colour, life. Life, as Lightbourne explores love, grief, loss - the ageing years of life.
Sunflowers, Loss and The Gates of Heaven. I wonder why only two of these poems are titled? Is it to emphasise and highlight them to us? Or, perhaps, the others were simply too 'full' to title, Too full of heart to put a name to? Perhaps a significance to the number three. Something I pondered for a while. I guess that's the beauty of the poetry; interpretation.
Such beautiful & purposeful, thought provoking & emotive poetry.
Thank you so much for this ARC, what a real treat,
***Spoilers***
A few of my favourite lines...
🔹When you ask me how love comes,
I say you’ll find it in a poem
🔹Maybe the moon made you,
but I knew you as
sinew and bone
🔹The cradle lies empty ~
I fill it with my tears.
🔹Love comes,
soft as snowfall, to cover us
🔹as grass before
the fingers of
the wind.
🔹The river runs;
on its banks grow wildflowers
that bend their stems
to the seasons’ intent;
they whisper
‘it is time,
it is time.’
🔹Silence is one heart’s murmur,
the roar at the water’s edge
🔹where
you are,
am I.
November 19, 2024
I rarely buy poetry bundles for the full price, and usually prefer to pick them up at a free(ish) book trade, or at a thrift shop. But this one stood out to me as I was at the bookshop. I picked it up, flipped through it and every time my eyes fell to the page, it was a poem, a set of worlds, the layout, something that I just Liked. Although I don't remember what poem was the one that made me buy this bundle, I've now marked 19 poems total, so there is plenty to love.
Modern poetry doesn't always appeal to me, especially if the shorter format seems to be made for an Instagram post. This bundle however, hit the mark for me. Sure, not every page, not every poem touches me. With some, I think the reason they did not appeal to me is because I could not find the rhythm in which to read them. Again, the Instagram worthiness probably plays a role (as does my aversion to that kind of social media poetry).
Another little pet peeve I have is when poetry is so personal that the author uses "I" a lot. I often don't identify with the "I" that the author uses. This little bundle proved me wrong! I think about half of the poems I've marked to come back to contain this personal use of the word "I".
What I love, is the understandable language Lightbourne uses - I think this makes her poems approachable and easily comprehensible. Now, this makes it sound like a child could read this, and they probably could, but many pieces have a second or third layer, to be found by more adult readers, those who have been through wringer before. I want to rave about this all day long!! It's gift of contemporary poetry - the layers and depth of old poetry, combined with the approachable nature of social media(ish) poetry, and Lightbourne uses it SO well.
All in all, I think this is a lovely bundle that'll hit the spot for a lot of people, especially those that are new to (modern) poetry. I'd definitely recommend it to friends, and I think I'll be returning to this bundle many more times, too.
Modern poetry doesn't always appeal to me, especially if the shorter format seems to be made for an Instagram post. This bundle however, hit the mark for me. Sure, not every page, not every poem touches me. With some, I think the reason they did not appeal to me is because I could not find the rhythm in which to read them. Again, the Instagram worthiness probably plays a role (as does my aversion to that kind of social media poetry).
Another little pet peeve I have is when poetry is so personal that the author uses "I" a lot. I often don't identify with the "I" that the author uses. This little bundle proved me wrong! I think about half of the poems I've marked to come back to contain this personal use of the word "I".
What I love, is the understandable language Lightbourne uses - I think this makes her poems approachable and easily comprehensible. Now, this makes it sound like a child could read this, and they probably could, but many pieces have a second or third layer, to be found by more adult readers, those who have been through wringer before. I want to rave about this all day long!! It's gift of contemporary poetry - the layers and depth of old poetry, combined with the approachable nature of social media(ish) poetry, and Lightbourne uses it SO well.
All in all, I think this is a lovely bundle that'll hit the spot for a lot of people, especially those that are new to (modern) poetry. I'd definitely recommend it to friends, and I think I'll be returning to this bundle many more times, too.
April 26, 2024
I had the amazing privilege to read this book of poems 'Bright Dust' by Jane Lightbourne and I have to say, it's a delightful collection of poetry. Lightbourne's poems are not only beautiful but also simple, making it an easy and delicate read. I found myself easily relating to the poems due to her word choices, being able to connect to a lot of them on a emotional level, which is why I love poetry. The book is structured nicely with a mix of longer, two-page poems and shorter ones, allowing for a variety that can be enjoyed without needing to dedicate a lot of time.
The whimsical nature of Lightbourne's writing is captivating, and I especially love how she uses birds at times to convey deeper emotions in some of the poems. There were two particular poems in the book that really resonated with me. The first one, which made me stop and contemplate, can be found on page 87. The second one, which made me appreciate the time I've spent on this earth, in this fleeting thing we called life, is on page 103. They where beautiful, and simple leaving a lasting impact.
'Bright Dust' is the kind of poetry book you can carry in your bag and read a few pages throughout the day to bring some happiness into your life. It's a beautiful piece of work that truly speaks to the soul.
Though unlike other poetry books that are now being published that has small drawings and art within their pages. Lightbourne's does not, the pages are bare except for the words of the poem. I did not think I would like this, but I did very much. In a way in made it feel more raw, simple, and empty with clarity stripping the image aware and leaving only the words etched into your heart.
It was beautiful. Thank you.
The whimsical nature of Lightbourne's writing is captivating, and I especially love how she uses birds at times to convey deeper emotions in some of the poems. There were two particular poems in the book that really resonated with me. The first one, which made me stop and contemplate, can be found on page 87. The second one, which made me appreciate the time I've spent on this earth, in this fleeting thing we called life, is on page 103. They where beautiful, and simple leaving a lasting impact.
'Bright Dust' is the kind of poetry book you can carry in your bag and read a few pages throughout the day to bring some happiness into your life. It's a beautiful piece of work that truly speaks to the soul.
Though unlike other poetry books that are now being published that has small drawings and art within their pages. Lightbourne's does not, the pages are bare except for the words of the poem. I did not think I would like this, but I did very much. In a way in made it feel more raw, simple, and empty with clarity stripping the image aware and leaving only the words etched into your heart.
It was beautiful. Thank you.
September 17, 2024
Publishing date: 28.05.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: Heart shaped chocolates
The book left me: Warm and fuzzy
Negatives:
Didn't connect as well as I hoped
Positives:
Written elegantly and emotionally
Features:
Explores what it means to love and be human, the relationship between loving-losing-and loving again, platonic, romantic, and parental
Why did I choose this one?
Love myself some poems, just had to grab yet another collection to read this year
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between, entirely my own fault. The timing I decided to read this was atrocious. But I can imagine that this would fall into a read-able or a devourable category at any other time.
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, B tier. This was an alright collection. I think I would rate it higher if I had read it at a different time (but I might be wrong about that too). Due to no fault of its own. I did however not connect nearly as much as I had hoped to.
Favorite poems:
The Cradle lies Empty
You led; I followed
My Demons Linger
Winter holds the Land inits Icy Grip
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: Heart shaped chocolates
The book left me: Warm and fuzzy
Negatives:
Didn't connect as well as I hoped
Positives:
Written elegantly and emotionally
Features:
Explores what it means to love and be human, the relationship between loving-losing-and loving again, platonic, romantic, and parental
Why did I choose this one?
Love myself some poems, just had to grab yet another collection to read this year
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between, entirely my own fault. The timing I decided to read this was atrocious. But I can imagine that this would fall into a read-able or a devourable category at any other time.
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, B tier. This was an alright collection. I think I would rate it higher if I had read it at a different time (but I might be wrong about that too). Due to no fault of its own. I did however not connect nearly as much as I had hoped to.
Favorite poems:
The Cradle lies Empty
You led; I followed
My Demons Linger
Winter holds the Land inits Icy Grip
January 30, 2026
Bright Dust is a debut poetry collection that moves with the precision and emotional clarity of imagist tradition while speaking in a distinctly modern voice. Jane Lightbourne writes in brief, luminous fragments that feel suspended between memory and revelation. Each poem opens a small window into love’s many forms longing, betrayal, tenderness, loss before widening into a meditation on nature and acceptance.
The collection’s strength lies in its restraint. The language is spare yet resonant, allowing silence and suggestion to carry as much meaning as the words themselves. Lightbourne’s imagery often feels tactile: dawns held in the hand, wings moving through shadow, suns burning quietly beneath grief. These poems reward slow reading; they invite reflection rather than demand attention.
What emerges is a cohesive emotional arc a poetic journey from personal fracture toward a fragile peace rooted in the natural world. Bright Dust is intimate without being confessional, elegant without being distant. It marks the arrival of a poet deeply attentive to the textures of feeling and the quiet architecture of human connection.
The collection’s strength lies in its restraint. The language is spare yet resonant, allowing silence and suggestion to carry as much meaning as the words themselves. Lightbourne’s imagery often feels tactile: dawns held in the hand, wings moving through shadow, suns burning quietly beneath grief. These poems reward slow reading; they invite reflection rather than demand attention.
What emerges is a cohesive emotional arc a poetic journey from personal fracture toward a fragile peace rooted in the natural world. Bright Dust is intimate without being confessional, elegant without being distant. It marks the arrival of a poet deeply attentive to the textures of feeling and the quiet architecture of human connection.
May 14, 2024
Although the blurb says this is a book about love, it's not romantic. There are poems about being a caretaker or parent, poems about losing someone precious, poems about wanting to spend time with someone, and poems about pulling away. And there are others that I really can't categorize, but they're beautiful all the same. I found myself imagining flying free with songs on darkened wings, all knowing yet little seen, and holding in my hands a thousand suns. It was exhilarating. Of course, there were a few that meant nothing to me, but I found a high percentage to fall into, and that's what I look for in a satisfying book of poems. I'll certainly be pulling a few examples from this book when I teach poetry, but I'll also bring out a few of my favorites when I want a moment to think and feel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2025
Jane Lightbourne explores the many intricate facets and manifestations of love, from the tender eulogy of a lost pet to the grief a lost person to the heart-wrenching decision to distance yourself from someone whose love no longer honors you. Each poem is beautiful and resonant on its own, but as a collection, this one really feels cohesive in its completeness and thoroughness--love explored not just in its romantic form, but in all the forms it can take in a person's life.
***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC to review honestly.***
***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC to review honestly.***
August 1, 2024
As I read this book, there are such beautiful pictures in my head as I read. This author writes poetry like she is living it. The collection is just brilliant and would LOVE to read more of her poetry!
I received a few copy of the book and is voluntarily Writing a review
I received a few copy of the book and is voluntarily Writing a review
May 29, 2024
Poetry from another era - brief and flighty, think Blake and Dickinson.
December 5, 2024
"in the meadow where
flowers grow,
bending with the
weary willow stem"
flowers grow,
bending with the
weary willow stem"
July 18, 2024
This poetry collection was beautiful and haunting. I particularly loved the poem “Sunflowers”. This collection talked about love and loss and love again. The poem dedicated to their cat hit me in the feels too. If you’re in need of some poetry - this is the collection you need for some angsty mood reading.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews