Savor the Seasons

Book excerpt: Joe Millard reflects on the landscape of Iowa in his new poetry collection, Savor the Seasons. His poems portray a land alive with nature, flowing with rivers that are visited by thunderstorms and winter blizzards. This is a place where flowers flourish, rivers reign, grain grows, and people play. Joy and sadness mix with the feel of rain, the sound of wind, the sight of life, and the smell of death. These verses are intended to speak to those who are passionate about the land and have a feel for the soil. The collection is organized by seasons, beginning with spring and ending with winter, with each season speaking in its distinct voice; they may not always obey the calendar, but rather express their moods when they are ready. From his 1953 poem entitled December, written while he attended high school in Jefferson, Iowa, to Mississippi Journey, a reflection on Huckleberry Finns excursion, Millards poetry captures the true essence of life in the Midwest. Savor the Seasons Heed the spring thunder, enjoy the summer sun, experience an autumn sunset, taste the winter snow, and embrace the magic.