A Scattering of Sapphires: Poems

by Lucille Murphy, Jeanne Belisle Lombardo (Editor), Tery Spataro (Illustrator)

211 pages, Hardcover

Published June 29, 2026

Reviews

[Tery Spataro]

At 93 years old, Lucille Murphy has published her first collection of poetry, and A Scattering of Sapphires feels like a lifetime gathered into words. Her poems are filled with emotion, vivid imagery, memory, spirituality, and a deep devotion to the Catholic faith.

Empty Space was especially moving. Through Lucille’s reflections on the loss of her husband, the poem reveals not only grief, but also the painful loss of identity that can follow a lifetime shaped around another person. It offers an intimate glimpse into the experiences of women from her generation and helped me understand Lucille more deeply as a person.

This is a thoughtful and heartfelt collection for readers who appreciate poetry rooted in faith, love, loss, and the quiet moments that shape a life.

[Mary]

So great to have all your poetry in one place. Nice to encounter old favorites and to discover others I don't recall seeing before. Thanks to everyone who made this happen. I look forward to the next batch!

[Pat Murphy]

I have not been much of an appreciator of poetry in my life. When I like a poem, it is because it connects with me and my life experiences. This book I was able to appreciate. The poems connected with me. I have to say here that the author is my Mom, so of course it connected. I knew what she was talking about in a lot of them. One is dedicated to one of my brothers. Another to one of my sisters. There were several concerning Dad. There were some of friends that have come and gone in our lives. There were places and occurrences I was there to experience. I got a lot of warmth from those. The ones I couldn't recall I could picture Mom sittin' there appreciating that part of life, or simply making something up as a fantasy. It helped me appreciate Mom more as a result. I love Mom. I have taken to calling her every night this last year. I have gotten to know her much better as a result. So all this is happening recently in Mom's 93 years for me. I should have tried to talk with her more in the past but life doesn't always give in to good plans or intentions. Anyway, if you like poetry, these are excellent poems. I hope any of you who get this enjoy it like I did.