The Sigh and Flutter

by Julie Ann Baker Brin

The Sigh and Flutter uncovers the shimmer of meaning in life's overlooked corners-dreams tucked away, goofy dog noises, a sudden rush of gratitude. With wit, tenderness, and keen observation, Julie Ann Baker Brin transforms the ordinary into the luminous, reminding us that the sacred lives within the everyday.

Both whimsical and wise, these poems embrace the paradox of human experience-its gravity and its wonder. From the emotional archaeology of a "personal storage space" to a cascade of unexpected gratitude, Brin's voice is intimate, sharp, and deeply human. She invites readers to rediscover beauty in the mundane and to see how even the smallest details can glimmer with significance.



Advance praise calls this collection "hopeful, specific, philosophical, wise" (Kevin Rabas, Kansas Poet Laureate, 2017-2019), "magnificent and alarming" (Michael Poage), and "reimagining the small intimacies and disconnects that shape our lives" (Gretchen Cassel Eick).



Whether enjoyed for solace, inspiration, or surprise, The Sigh and Flutter meets readers in the fleeting, unpredictable now. These poems remind us that life is both fragile and resilient-that the human spirit is as much about earthbound coffee as it is about the stars.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2026

About the author

Julie Ann Baker Brin has two middle names (not two last names like normal people; long story). By day she works for public broadcasting — not behind a mic, but behind red tape — so by night she likes to expose her other brain hemisphere to creative endeavors. Julie was named Kansas Authors Club 2023 Poet of the Year, and her first full-length poetry book, The Sigh and Flutter, was published by Anamcara Press in May, 2026. JulieBrin.org showcases some of her award-winning work and pieces featured in journals throughout the Great Plains, where she makes her home.

Reviews

[H.B. Berlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My preferences for poetry revolve around sound quality and word choice. Theme emerges from that. With that as a basis, i can honestly say i thoroughly enjoyed "The Sigh and Flutter." There are so many examples here of a lyrical quality that creates an imperceptable flow. WE ARE, INDIVIDUAL MUSCLE DREAMS, and PULSE stand out. There is also an entirely human quality to the overall collection, not quite the confessional poets of the 60s and 70s, simply a person talking to you and telling you who they are. Read TRUTH AS METAPHOR for a deeply introspective view. I feel as though poets today try to dazzle you with fireworks. Julie Ann Baker Brin does the opposite. She captures you with a sigh and a flutter.

[Abbi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Ann Baker Brin's collection of poetry, The Sigh and Flutter, takes the reader on a journey, whether in a helium balloon or down memory lane, providing wonderful imagery that encapsulates all the senses. I connected and felt seen within so many of her poems, while others evoked a full range of emotions, forcing their way into my thoughts all day long.