From Kym at Kreative Pen – 5 stars

Lauren’s latest book of poetry is an intimate tapestry of love, wonder, gratitude, and an impeccable scale of observation stroking the tender senses of family, the sherbet-colored skies and sounds of nature, the celebration of life and unconditional love, along with a sense of being. Lauren’s poignant reflections make us wonder about the larger picture of life, connecting us intimately and passionately.

Her poem “The Old Afghan” reminded me of my mother’s impeccable talent to perfectly crochet her unimaginable creations as she tried teaching me how to tighten my stitches when I was crocheting (of course, that didn’t work out as well as I’d hoped).

While Lauren’s poems were so personally adorned, her poem “Fulfillment” was a testament to life’s journey and resonated with me deeply.

Mary G – 5 stars

East to love! I found these beautiful words from an optimistic nature lover to be soothing, yet deep and thoughtful. If you need a break from trauma-informed poetry and prose, try “Ever So Gently.” It’s a bit like sitting in the sun with a kind friend.

Dawn Pisturino – 5 stars

Lauren Scott’s latest poetry collection reflects the inner life of the poet as she seeks to bring serenity and harmony into her world.

In “Messages from the Sea,” her verses paint a vivid portrait of nature, using keen observations and sensitive emotional reactions:

“listen intently
inhale, exhale, feel the calm
your soul will thank you”

Her signature poem, “Ever So Gently,” reminds us to leave our negative thoughts behind and enjoy the positive things around us:

“Remember, the breeze carries
burdens down rivers
and across oceans,
majestic trees sway with joy,
sheltering from shadows,
and the light shines even if only
a slight glimmer slips through”

Even when trouble rears its ugly head, Lauren embraces it with gentle grace, as described in her poem, “Diane.”

a caring, soft force
a disciplinarian
heart teeming with love
her circle embraced the warmth
from her glimmering essence

poppy-orange painted
fingernails matched her kind smile
her laugh contagious
lifting wavering spirits
always spreading elation

she blessed our marriage
twenty-four months was her time,
tendered memories
nourishing our emotions
unbeknown the grief to come

time swiftly progressed
cancer penetrated her
soul, the oxygen
tank accompanied us on
that cold day in December

we slid onto faux
leather, an afternoon lunch
the horizon bleak
her love flowed into my heart
strong emotions untethered

fifty-nine was her
final number of candles
on her apple pie
a haunting, morning phone call
altering lives forever

Life, love, death — all of these themes are covered in this collection of beautifully written poems. Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your heart and soul with us!

From Alex Craigie – 5 stars

I’ve read several of Lauren Scott’s anthologies now and each one has stirred a variety of powerful emotions in me. It’s the mark of an excellent writer – that ability to create emotions in others through your words.
Ever So Gently is another of these powerful anthologies. The topics are varied but feature shared experiences that most of us can identify with.
The natural world features as a healing balm to soothe a modern soul beset with pressures and stresses often caused by our hectic, fast-tracked lives. In A Detour we have:
Surely our minds piled high with clutter, deserve/ a detour for some sweet refuge.
In Our Patio Guest, we have the horrors of the world today juxtaposed with the beauty and wonder of a visiting hummingbird.
Other poems share the triumphs and losses of family life. There are moving tributes to parents and pets, all realized vividly and perceptively.
In Mirrors, there’s a recognition that a body changed by giving birth is still beautiful and to be appreciated. Other poems highlight the contrasts between noisy children and that hollow silence when they leave us that is balanced by the sharing of the same sky, and the distance being merely geography.
Sometimes it’s the simplest words that have the most impact. One poem that hit home says:
(I) Have been embraced/ by the chilling presence / of loneliness.
Other poems reference love for a partner. These were some of my favorites and in The World is Broken, there’s a tribute to the power of love and its ability to put things in their context.
The rhyming poetry didn’t touch me in the same way as the free verse does. The Old Afghan is a case in point where the metaphor of the garment is beautifully woven through the stanzas to create an emotional tribute to her mother.
I’m already looking forward to the next anthology.

From Darlene – 5 stars – A positive, uplifting book of poems to start the New Year off right!

A positive, uplifting book of poems to start the New Year off right. Lauren Scott’s words hit home with me and warmed my heart. Many are about family, friendship, nature, and feelings. Every mom will relate to “First Breath” and “A Little Bit More” sums up my relationship with my daughter and our long telephone chats. My favourite in the collection is “The Same Sky”, which had me in tears. Fur babies are mentioned as well in poems like “Lucky Girl”. And “The Old Afghan” conjured up memories of my dear mom. Comforting words in a disturbing world. Words like these from “The World is Broken”:
And he says,
“The good news
for today is
I love you,
Your heart,
Your mind.
Your soul.”
The world may be broken,
But I am not.
Thanks, Lauren Scott, for making the world a better place with your thoughts and words expressed so well. Turn off the news and read this book of poems. You’ll be glad you did.

From Kimber – It is delightful! 5 stars

“Ever So Gently” is a soul-soothing journey filled with calming scenes of early morning communion with feathered friends and hikes through majestic landscapes.
‘In Good Company’ begins:
“We stroll among redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.”

I could almost touch those magnificent giants through her lyrical prose.

“In their company, fine fibers of peace
flow through our hearts and souls,
centering us.”

In one of my favorite compositions, ‘The Sun Knows,’ she writes, “Clouds understand why we wait.” What a thought-provoking line.
I was touched by the poem ‘First Breath’, which describes a mother’s love.
“With every new miracle of life
answers aren’t scripted in the stars,
but I knew since your very
first breath
my life would become yours.”

If you haven’t read Lauren Scott’s moving verse, I encourage you to pick up a copy of “Ever So Gently” and spend some time immersed in this beautiful book. It is delightful!

From Gwendolyn Plano – A memorable collection of poetry 5 stars

Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems is, as the title suggests, a gentle meandering through life circumstances and settings. Poet Lauren Scott writes from her heart, and I found that her transparency brought me into my own heart. Beautiful writing.

From Carol Anne – “Your poems are balm to my soul.” 5 stars

Ok, so I was having a really, awful, no good, very bad day. That is, until I opened up my kindle app and decided to dive into Lauren Scott’s book, ever so gently. This is such a magnificent book of poetry! It had me captivated right from the beginning to the very end.

There are so many wonderful poems about nature, about her Labrador, about her husband, all sorts, in this book, you’ll find real, raw emotions. I highly recommend you go buy a copy! It will not disappoint!

I’ve bought a few more of Lauren’s books, which I will read and review shortly! This one, ever so gently, is her latest! I laughed, and I cried while reading it!

Thanks Lauren for cheering me up on this bad day while I am stuck in the psych ward! Your poems are balm to my soul! Lauren’s books can be bought on amazon, so go check her out!

From Miriam Hurdle – 5 stars – Beautiful and sensational poetry that softens the heart 5 stars

Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott is a cozy and delightful read. I love the pastel color scheme of the cover. It conveys a soft feeling like the fluffy feathers caressing my skin. The title and the cover join in a beautiful harmony.

Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.

Scott painted nature with her soft strokes. “Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us.” “Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls mending any fretting that stirred.” “I wonder if pine needles wiggle in delight until they float to the earth…” The vivid imagery invited my presence in her natural world with the hummingbird, the sunflower, the peach rose, the lantana, the rocks, and the shiny shells.

Scott shared her joyous moments of meeting her husband and their newfound love. “Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness.” She missed her son and daughter, who were grown and gone. She would leave her son’s room messy to remind her of his presence. The days when the children were little were greatly missed. She reminisced about the younger days when her parents moved from place to place, and she missed old friends. The old Afghan reminded her of the memory and wisdom of her mom. One Sunday afternoon, she had the last conversation with her dad. “His voice offers no response, silent for eternity, his body, a shell.” Scott’s memorable moments reminded me of my own with my husband, my daughter, and my parents.

The poem “Things I Know, Believe and Imagine” posted a valuable question. “I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the street, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?” A Two-Wheel Getaway told a cheerful story of meeting biking strangers who became instant friends. The star poem Ever So Gently conveyed the message of hope.

“Its [star’s] glow will grow ever so gently

Into a bright beacon of hope

Rising with the golden sun

Bringing clarity to our vision.”

From Robbie Cheadle – 5 stars – A celebration of life, the good and the less good. 5 stars

Ever So Gently: A collection of poems is a beautiful memoir of the poet’s life and experiences, mellowed by experience and understanding, and told through carefully selected words. The poems are a mixture of freestyle and syllabic and share some vivid and delightful imagery that celebrates important moments in the poet’s life.

For me, the emphasis with this collection is on the softening of the poet’s attitude towards, and views, on life gained through experience and living. This message, reflected in the title “Ever So Gently” and the beautiful and peaceful cover, is wonderful and absorbing. Its subtle repetition throughout this book is like slipping into a warm bubble bath. It evokes the same delightful sense of peace and calm. My words must not be misunderstood to mean that none of the poems demonstrate moments of anguish and angst, as that is not the case. Those moments, that are so catastrophic and devastating to the poet at the time of occurrence are there, but their harshness is lessened through acceptance and understanding gained over the passage of time.

A few verses that I particularly enjoyed:

“A lone sailboat glides by
pausing for the unfolding.
With hair the color of an egret,
an older man leans against a stump.”
From The Sun Knows

“raindrops vacillate
layers hold their own secrets
delicate delight”
From The Peach Rose

“Each purl stitch was interwoven with love
from her gentle touch.
She, the teacher, me, the student,
as our bodies sank into the sofa
checkered in a 70’s palette.
From The Old Afghan

The two poems that I related to the most were The Mess and Young Campers, both about the poets children. This book is a celebration of life, the good and the less good.

From Colleen Chesebro – 5 stars –  Contemplative Poetry to Soothe Your Soul Ever So Gently…

“Ever So Gently” asks us to accompany the author on a profound journey into the human condition seen through her own experiences. Scott has a way of making the mundane things in life a positive poetic event. That upbeat theme lasts throughout the book.

She split the book into three sections: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, the Chaos, the Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. The author explores nature and how she relates to those quiet times when nature calls her name. The next section deals with the love in her life. The last section deals with the author’s deeper nature as she explores her feelings in greater detail.

I was surprised to see an excellent collection of haiku, and other forms of syllabic poetry in the book. It was easy to connect with the variety of poems and themes. I enjoyed all of them!

I had two favorite poems. One was called “The Sign” and the other, “Ever So Gently.” Both poems are contemplative in nature but filled with hope for the good things in life to enrich our lives.

From Cindy Georgakas – not rated yet –

Ever So Gently is A Collection of Poems by author, Lauren Scott, who walks us through her day with the first encounter of morning light “Ever So Gently” to start our day.  I’m absolutely delighted to share her latest book with you and share some of my favorite poems from her wonderful new book.

If you haven’t met Lauren yet, you’re in for a treat. Lauren lights up our blogging world in the most supportive of ways with her comments and support of other writers. I am always inspired by how much she is able to do working, caring for her FIL, children, husband and writing reviews.

Her book is divided into 3 segments to set the tone and is an entree into all of the flavors of her writing which is beautiful, sometimes whimsical, inspiring, and always insightful.

~ The Wisdom of Nature takes you on a journey of her daily encounters with the great outdoors.

~ The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones represents all of the characters in her life who are so endearing to her.

~ Lost In Thought is an inner journey of her insights, questions, and joy through her observations.

Each transports you into her inner world of reflection that give her life meaning and richness.

In her first section you can feel her words float through the winds by her well articulated choice of words which beacon you to sit and take in the horizon or get up close and personal to the hummer and ponder questions as you bask in the moment.

She starts off with a poignant poem to give you a glimmer into her mornings with her beloved at her side to share it with.  You can almost feel the respite of their lovely setting in their Marin home in a gentle tranquil setting with their dog, Copper, underfoot.

When we stroll among the redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.
There is no reason to rush and we won’t hesitate
to hug them with open arms, because why not?
They deserve reverence for their generosity.
In their company, fine fibers of peace
flow through our hearts and souls,
centering us. Any worries burdening our minds
fall to the earth to be walked upon and buried.
We listen as the leaves whisper in the breeze,
Be filled with joy and do not fret,
for their is no time for that nonsense.

Her words are a journey much like the ones we are all on but unique to her personal insights, experience and family.  

Lauren’s love of connection with nature and people ring through on every page paying homage to each one that has touched her heart in a most powerful and profound way.  Her poems epitomize the sacred time with family and friends.

She knows loss and shares that in many of her poems but the one that shines through to me the most is the one about her mom who is near and dear to her heart.

Mom’s Plea

I remember our conversation….
the effort it took
to calm my emotions,
phone glued to my ear
like a natural extension>
Days later Mom asked Dad,
“When will this be over?”
He could be gentle or
travel the path of honesty.
I don’t know the words
he pulled from
a seventy-year love….
how he tenderly tiptoed
through the syllables,
since his heart
was shattering
into millions
of tiny fragments.
Her time was close.
Our awareness vigilant.
Each day,
another breath held
until the hands of time
would pause.
Then as quickly
as a gray sky opens
on a winter day,
she had ascended.
Memories of her
loving spirit
followed in the years to come.
But not one day passes
without her gracing our
thoughts.
Not one day slips by
without her knowing
our lives are changed
forever.

She captures the essence of the moment with her poetic charm and style, leaving you able to ponder your thoughts. This is Scott’s 4th book that impresses upon the reader just how special and sacred each day is.  
In the ‘lost in thought’ section she explores a range of emotions which beg for answers and an invitation to explore your inner world. I loved her poem in this segment,

Maybe

When you sit by the window,
evading life’s demands
watching hummingbirds
flit about, do you wonder
if our existence is the only
breathing form?
Who’s to assume we’re alone
with stars millions of miles
away glistening in the night?
Maybe other beings wonder
if they are simply
a tiny atom or molecule
floating in the larger picture.
Maybe we’re just a raindrop
in somone else’s universe.

Each word is peppered with her love and care of her love and memory of her parents, her soulmate, Matt whom every moment is one of wonderment and joy, her children and the love they share.  A delightful read with your morning coffee or tea or sitting in your garden for an afternoon pick me up.

From Jane Sturgeon – 5 stars – A gentle, loving walk through life creating a place I wanted to stay in…

I did exactly as suggested, made my favourite coffee, and curled up to read. What an absolute delight from start to finish.

What a beautiful soul Scott is and she has created another gem through the gift of her poetic words. I will come back to read these poems and loving thoughts again and again. I was transported to another place and what a loving place it is. Beautiful, loving, heartfelt words describing many moments in life and the gifts of nature.

‘A Fine Discovery’ captures a love of nature and hiking with her best friend. ‘The World is Broken’ is perfectly formed and I am moving to live in The Little Cabin.

Scott takes us ‘Ever So Gently’ on a journey through life and the delights and gifts nestled within, and I felt her ‘When Life Throws Curveballs’ deeply.

Every one of Scott’s poems is felt and eloquent.

Thank you, and please keep writing. 💗

From Abbie Johnson Taylor – 5 stars – Poems about Humans and Nature

After reading More Than Coffee, which I reviewed here, I wanted to read more by this author. Ever So Gently didn’t disappoint me.

I like the variety of subject matter in this collection. Some poems are about nature while others are about humans. Some are light while others cover more serious topics.

Because I’m an animal lover, my favorite was “I Was Adopted,” which is written from the point of view of the author’s Labrador. “Lost Conversation with Dad” reminded me of losing my own father. I could relate to “When Life Throws Us Curveballs” and “We Find an Escape” and like the way she ends the collection on a hopeful note with the title poem, “Ever So Gently.”

The editor’s introduction at the beginning and the author’s acknowledgements at the end add a nice touch. Although this collection is short, the poems are meant to be read more than once and savored.

Pooja G – If you’re not sure what to read next or are looking for something to read, do consider this book. It won’t let you down. (couldn’t post on Amazon)

I was first introduced to Lauren Scott’s writing when I followed her WordPress blog. Even though I was new to her blog, I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. And I’m pretty sure I have read the vast majority of the blogs she has published since I followed her if not all the posts she has published since. A good number of her posts include poetry so I was used to her style of writing and knew that I enjoyed it. When I saw that she had published a poetry book recently, I was very excited to give it a read. And since I loved the book (spoiler alert lol!) I decided to share my review of Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott.

Overall Review

I generally like to start with what I liked about the book overall and then go into more detailed thoughts on it. As you must have guessed by now, Ever So Gently is a poetry book. And what I loved about the poems is that they were so vividly descriptive. The poems are inspired by the things around Lauren and her experiences. And her descriptions made me feel like I was there with her.

For the most part, her poems are quite light and beautiful. But some are darker and dive into darker themes. Although these poems are heavier, I still very much enjoyed them and found the emotionally raw poems to be really touching.

Ever So Gently is not trying to be like every other poetry book. It’s also not trying to be pretentious or trying too hard. It simply just is and as a reader I love that. There were moments I forgot I was reading because I got so into it and lost track of time. What was supposed to be a ten minutes break turned into half an hour. And to me, that’s a sign of a great book and a great writer.

I rarely talk about book covers but I wanted to add that I really love the minimalistic book cover. I’m a big fan of minimalistic covers especially for poetry books. This one is so calming and it really captures what to expect from the book.

Specifics

My favourite poem from the book is called Unexpected. I don’t want to give away too much about the poem but it’s such an uplifting one. For those of you that know me, you know I suffer from depression and anxiety. This poem is about getting better and trying to see colour again when your life has been stained grey. Interestingly, I read it right before my therapy session as I waited outside my therapists office. The universe is funny like that sometimes. But I think that’s what made me really connect with the poem.

Even though I enjoyed all the poem, I think my favourite were actually the more heavy ones because they had so much emotion behind them. Such as “Things I Know, Believe, And Imagine. I thought this poem was very relevant with how the world is at the moment. It’s a great reminder of how important love, acceptance and kindness are in a world where we are so quick to turn to hate and violence.

Conclusion And Where To Buy “Ever So Gently”

Overall, Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott is a book I think is a must read. It’s really so well written that I think everyone would find it enjoyable and easy to follow even if you are not particularly a poetry fan. I would say this book can be enjoyed by both poetry lovers and those that don’t generally read poetry. The poems are largely uplifting but are still quite thought provoking and draw a lot of emotions from the reader. If you’re not sure what to read next or are looking for something to read, do consider this book. It won’t let you down.

Carol Balawyder – I needed time to linger over and savor Lauren Scott’s poetry. I read two or three a day. Like daily meditations. (not yet rated)

This, very accessible collection of poems is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought all evoking a wide spectrum of observations and memories.

This is definitely a collection to be read and reread for its uplifting and thought-provoking ideas.

In this world where there is so much violence it is refreshing to read about the beauty of Nature and everyday experiences, as simple as it may be to wanting a new sofa.

 Her writing is simple yet profound: who knew that a simple wish could enlighten perspective? Nor does simple mean it lacks imagery: stars dangling in darkened sky.

She uses her poetry to remind us to start our day smiling and to appreciate our aging bodies.

Pay Attention!

Much of her poetry is about recording her observations:

 Can the sun slipping behind,

 downy clouds

 be more spectacular?

Lauren Scott shows that she is fearless in exposing her love, her joys, her sorrows and her dreams.

From Sally Cronin – 5 stars

What a delightful, thought provoking and emotive collection of poetry from Lauren Scott.

I savoured each of the three segments of the book. I was engaged from the first poem to the last as the author shared her reflections on nature, her love of family through early days, love and loss, and her thoughts on life, the people around us, the world and the universe.

In the ‘Wisdom of Nature’ Scott captures the essence of the natural world around us, the majesty of the redwood and the colours of autumn. Feathered visitors with tributes such as in ‘The Humming Bird’s Quest’ and ‘Feathered Friends’. There is also recognition of how the tragedy of wildfires can devastate lives leaving nothing but ashes.

In the second segment ‘The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones’, we meet those that the author has loved from generations of her family, with tributes to mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and beloved pets who have left their mark on her life.

In ‘Lost in Thought’ we can relate to thoughts on how we shouldn’t waste time as we only have one life as there is not another waiting on the sidelines. A reminder on how life throws curveballs, and how rearranging a room can change your perspective. One poem in particular that I immediately connected to as being something I have always wondered about.

Maybe

When you sit by the window,
evading life’s demands,
watching hummingbirds
flit about, do you wonder
if our existence is the only
breathing form?
Who’s to assume we’re alone
with stars millions of miles
away glistening in the night?
Maybe other beings wonder
if they are simply
a tiny atom or molecule
floating in the larger picture.
Maybe we’re just a raindrop
in someone else’s universe.

All the poems are memorable and I know that over time I will revisit the collection, especially when life seems more difficult than usual and I need a reminder that there is beauty in the world, kindness and hope. Highly recommended.

From D. L. Finn – A Beautiful Collection – 5 stars

“Ever So Gently” is a beautiful collection of free verse and symbolic poetry. It is broken into three sections that cover nature, life’s moments, and some author insights. I love nature and I’m drawn to vivid images, but the emotions and insights explored in our shared experiences were equally intriguing. There was a peace within these pages that allowed me to drift off into a poetic slumber when I was done reading. Although I enjoyed the entire collection, here are a few lines that captured my heart. “Fresh raindrops/gently landed/on their wilted spirit/as I witnessed them lifting…”—Wilted Spirits, “You stowed dreams in the clouds,/imaginings rose higher than the heavens…”—First Breath, “Their presence graced my universe beautifully like an endless ceiling of bright blue sky. Then they were gone.”—Friendships Gone, and “Its glow will grow ever so gently/into a bright beacon of hope/rising with the golden sun/bringing clarity to our vision.”—Ever So Gently. A collection that I will be enjoying again and can highly recommend.

From Selma in Japan – 5 stars – Read it slowly and savor it long

Ever So Gently–A collection of poems by Lauren Scott, a book of 126 pages, is a beautiful collection to savor more than once. In a combination of poetry forms like free verse, haiku and tanka, etheree, shadorma, and others, the Author celebrates family memories and present moments and reflections on where she is in her life today. Read it slowly and feel the words cause your own memories to float to the surface.

The book is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost In Thought. In Part 2, there’s even a poem from the perspective of Copper, her Labrador—a clear indication of the different loves in the Author’s life. Undeniably you will find the words swell your heart with gratitude too.

I recommend Ever So Gently to anyone who knows how to tap into and make much of the happy moments in life. Because life is not always a bed of roses, yet beautiful things happen all the time. Any of the poems will have resonance. What, with language like these excerpts from the book:

“That this routine, though simple to some, would not be the same, would not provide the comforting experience if one of us was not present? I shudder to imagine such a scenario…” ~Toots and Circles\

“the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!” ~ October’s Miracle\

“When I reminisce to these years, memories make me pause… to a time when I
witnessed their laughter and tears,” ~The Tiny Town\

“a little bit more. I’m sure she knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart.
Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify.” ~A Little Bit More\

“Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal.”
~The Blue Down Jacket\

“Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper.” ~Darker Than The Deepest Sea\

All the poems offered me a tender glimpse into Scott’s life. One calm evening to read through this poetry collection is all I needed to recognize how much I have in common with this Author. That she and her husband are empty nesters puts me right in her shoes. So the poem that will remain tucked safely in my happy place is the following:

“I find comfort in the clothes\ strewn on the floor\ soon to be dumped in the washer,\ wallet lying on the dresser,\ cell charging, bed comforter\ in shambles\because the messiness\ displays his presence.\ Now with air miles accumulated\ back in his time zone,\ the room shines in all its cleanliness,\ the neatness grating on my nerves,\ the silence, a cold shoulder.\ My hand pulls back the comforter,\ tousling, creating wrinkles\ in the navy fabric, then I pull\ some old shirts from the closet,\ tossing them on the floor.\ I can certainly pretend\ he’s just out with friends…”\\ The Mess, p.59

I hope you’re ready for just such a book, serene and enticing, that will speak ever so gently to your soul.
I cannot wait to read more poetry like this from this Author. 5-star from a satisfied customer.

From Smitha – 5 stars – ‘Ever so gently’ comes with a relevant message- ‘To be gentle’ at all times in your actions and responses to situations and to those around you. Lauren Scott does a lovely job of packaging this message with beautiful imagery that will touch the heart.

I have longed to read this book of poems ever since I saw the cover and the name of the book but mostly because I had read ‘More than Coffee’ by Lauren Scott and loved it. I was surprised to learn that the cover of this book which is a beautiful shade of blue-green had been painted by the poet’s son. It perfectly goes with the book title and the theme of poems in the book. It also represents the poet’s kind and loving nature which comes across time and again in all her writing. Very much like the poet, Selma Martin, whose book, ‘In the Shadow of Rainbows’ I reviewed a fortnight ago.

Lauren Scott’s poetry is easy on the tongue and is sure to help you find your bearings again if you’re in a quandary or just feel a little lost. The poems are like a breath of fresh air. They will make you see things differently and make you appreciative of things that you have been taking for granted.

From the poem, ‘The First Morning‘-
Our eyes open to chirps
from high in the fir trees
and we hear the rustle
of a skittering squirrel.
The evening before,
every creature became silent
as darkness sank into the evening.

From ‘A Fine Discovery’

A great fortune to play a part with nature
in this magical moment of existence,
to discover such a gem,
just the two of us relishing adventure in our sixties,
just the two of us and our loyal backpacks.

In a world in which chaos is the order of the day (just look at the news. Fire in Greece and Turkey, floods in Texas, war in Ukraine) and one wishes they could reboot and begin again or that they had something to hold on to and believe in, something that made sense to survive the insanity around, ‘Ever so gently’ comes with a relevant message- ‘To be gentle’ at all times in your actions and responses to situations and to those around you. Lauren Scott does a lovely job of packaging this message with beautiful imagery that will touch the heart.

From the poem, Darker than the Deepest Sea

But unlike recyclable paper, the gift of life
cannot be tossed back into the universe.
There is no spare awaiting on the sidelines,
and we should be mindful that the contents
require instructions solely foe each one of us individually,
because as visible as a ruby rose
in a garden of white daisies…

we are beautifully unique.

In Lauren’s words, ‘Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges.’ She adds, ‘succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.’

Although, the poems are autobiographical in nature, it is bound to strike a chord because Lauren Scott talks of experiences that all of us have experienced or will experience at some point in our lives- memories of childhood, growing up, finding love, death of parents, parenthood, sibling love, feelings of becoming an empty-nester, nature, love of and for a pet.

About the book

The book is divided into 3 sections : ‘The Wisdom of Nature’, ‘The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones’ and ‘Lost in Thought’ . There are around seventy-five odd poems of varying structures in the book that take you on a journey of the poet’s life and experiences and will leave you thinking of your own.
The poet’s uses delicious imagery, metaphors, similies and personification and different forms of poetry so the message is clear.
The first section dedicated to nature has poems on flowers, seasons, landscapes and animals around the poet. It shows the reader that there is poetry everywhere and will make the reader better appreciate his surroundings.

From the poem, The Sun Knows

Then suddenly the sky explodes
in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows-
brighter with every second.

From the poem, October’s Miracle

And who would think the sight of cocoa-brown mud
could be so entertaining in all its messiness.|

Seasonal Blanket, a Haiku
autumn’s dawn blushes
in warm hues of coziness
melodious crunch

The second section is about life, love, loss and the poet’s relationship with her husband, mom, dad, grandmom, children and siblings. Many poems in this section resonated with my thoughts- either the whole poem or a stanza or just a few lines. ‘Diane’ reminded me of my mother, ‘The Mess’ reminded me of a poem, ‘A Paradox: I like it clean, just not anymore’, I had written six years ago. It’s interesting to see that no matter where we are from, our feelings as parents are the same. For the same reason, I loved the poem, ‘The Same Sky’. I will never look at the sky in the same way again.

From The poem, Diane

fifty-nine was her
final number of candles
on her apple pie
a haunting, morning phone call
altering lives forever

And ‘The Blue Down Jacket’ talks of siblings and shared childhood memories.

You see, when we hang out
your memories transport you
to that morning when her laughter was music,
her smile was sunlight,
her energy as vibrant as “Joy to the World.’
You travel to the special place in your mind
when your mom was still in your life.

In the third section, the poet shares her thoughts on life. These poems carry nuggets of wisdom in them. ‘A New Sofa’ made me smile because it felt like Lauren Scott was talking about me. The other poems that I liked in this section were ‘Other Worlds’, ‘Friendships Gone’, ‘Mirrors’, ‘Unexpected’ and the poem that inspired the title of this beautiful book, ‘Ever So Gently’.

‘Things I know, believe and Imagine’

I imagine everyone opening their
hearts and minds
Can you envision their landscape,
like spring blooming every day.

‘The Sign’

Sometimes, waiting is the right thing to do
because we know…

It’s coming…time…

But what if while waiting, we miss the sign?

I’ll end this review with lines from two poems that to me encapsulate Lauren Scott’s book. Lines that I believe in.

From the poem, ‘A Detour’

I question if this busyness is urgent enough
to prevent us from breathing in
the fragrance of flowers or admiring
the pageantry of wildlife outside our windows.

From the poem, ‘Castanet’

I realize these observations
are what life is all about…
seeing…feeling…smelling…listening…being

Who the book is for? The book is for everyone who wants to reboot. It’s a great reminder to live better lives. I highly recommend this book.

From Resa – It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit. (Resa bought my book on Kobo and it’s not rated. We know never to assume, but based on her elegant and stunning review, I would assume that she would give it 5 stars. If my assumption is wrong, I will make the correction.)

“Ever So Gently” by Lauren Scott reads like an Impressionist painting looks. Lavender, salmon, watermelon, pale green, turquoise, gold, corals, pink, lemon yellow and blue are all in the poet’s word palette.

Resa – Were the poems written in a sort of order, or did you write what you felt, quite randomly, and then organize them?

Lauren – I wrote them when I felt inspired, so no, they weren’t written in any order.

Resa – Did you create the 3 parts when you began, I mean did you know you were writing in 3 topic areas off the start, or did that evolve?

Lauren – Some poems are on my blog and some aren’t. So, I went through the most recent poems on and off my blog and chose the ones I wanted in a book. Then I categorized them, and during that process, the 3 topics evolved. 

The commonality in each section is that the syllabic poems are at the end. 

In “The Wisdom of Nature” and “Lost in Thought” the order is random.

Resa – Ahh, in “The Wisdom of Nature” I love the poem “In Good Company”.  In it you write:

Resa – You hug redwood trees, and thank them with reverence. More, they impart peace, a wisdom and joy unto you.

Lauren –  When we moved to the bay area in California, I was introduced to a state park only 20 minutes from our house.  You enter the park, and though it’s not far away in distance, you literally feel like you’ve entered a magical wonderland. Redwoods surround you for a day visit, a picnic in the park, or for a fun camping adventure. You stroll along the creek, captivated by their majestic presence. We’ve been to this park a million times, but each time feels like the first.

Ever since I stepped foot in this park, I’ve been in awe of redwoods. It’s incredible how they can grow to be over 300 feet tall, being the tallest in the world. And they can live to be 1,000 years old. That’s just incredible. When I look at them I feel a sense of safety, wisdom, communication, and yet, renewed energy.

Resa – Have you hugged other types of trees? Do different trees each transmit their unique essence to your spirit?

Lauren – I would say yes. When we’ve backpacked, other trees surround us and they’re beautiful, but I don’t feel the same enchantment. So, I can’t really comment about other trees like I can about redwoods.

Lauren – In “The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones” I began with “The World is Broken” because it’s personally a special poem to me. Then I continued with my husband – before and when we met, and as we were married longer. Then the kids, parents, in-laws, sisters, pets…Love in every facet of life. 

From: “The Blue Down Jacket”

Resa – Is the jacket an actual jacket, or a personified metaphor? If real, is it still with you, bringing memories of his mother?

Lauren – Yes, the jacket is real and we still have it. In fact, it will accompany us on our camping trip next week. It’s still loyal (smile), and reminds us of Matt’s mom who died at the age of 59. Way too young. She died the same year our daughter (first child was born).

Lauren – She knew I was pregnant, so the bright side is that she knew she’d be a grandma for the first time. But our daughter and grandma never got to meet. This has always been profound in Steph’s heart. Nor did she meet Michael. Very sad. She would’ve been such a doting grandma. The poem “Diane” is about her.

From “Diane”

Many poems include the family dog, Copper. I adore reading about him, and all the love.  Every time  I read  these  lines  from  the  poem  “Copper”,  I break  into a massive chuckle.

Resa – Were there dogs in your life before Copper? When you were a kid?

Lauren – When I was young, we had Duffy, a black cocker spaniel mix who lived to be 16.  Some time after he died, we got Jasper, a springer spaniel. He was my first dog to grow up with. He lived to be 14 and died when Matt and I started dating. I cried for that entire weekend and Matt still married me! 🙂 We’re inching towards our 35th anniv.

But before Copper, our family had Lucky Girl, a black lab mix. She was our children’s first dog. There’s a poem in the book about her. 

Lauren says to be kind to animals, and adopt a mutt or a rescue!

Resa – I felt Parts 1 & 2 were descriptions/paintings of many people, emotions, places, loves, nature, moments and more. In part 3, I see a dive into your inner self. You ask questions, solve problems, give advice and extend hope.

What do you say to my observation? Was this your intent?

Lauren – You have described the sections perfectly. So, yes, part 3, that was absolutely my intention. Many thoughts or scenarios to ponder. A few weren’t so uplifting, but that’s life. Life isn’t always a sunflower field. 🙂 But hope always waits in the shadows, ready to flow in when ‘she’ feels it’s necessary.

Resa – The poem “Ever So Gently” is a perfect summary to this.

Lauren – I’m glad you feel that way about “Ever So Gently”, and before I had a book title, when I came across that poem, it just clicked.

Resa – Lauren, I was thinking of putting the poem “Ever So Gently” at the end of the post. I’ve changed my mind. If ever there was a spoiler for a book of poetry, “Ever So Gently” is it!

I read the poems in order, but not at first. Deciding to try a different approach, I dove into the book like it was a box of chocolates. I read whatever poem in any order, as the fancy lead. Yet, as delicious as it all was; it’s more than confection.

It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit.

Photo details of Impressionist paintings by Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926) and Helen McNicoll (Canadian, 1879-1915) © by Resa – July 19, 2023 – Exterior Art Gallery of Ontario

Visit Resa’s blog post to read the full stunning ‘out of box’ review:

Ever So Gently – by Lauren Scott

Resa’s review on Kobo – 5 stars

From Joy Neal Kidney – 5 stars – An endearing collection

What an endearing gathering of short poems, some written as Haiku and other syllabic poetry, but all comforting, calming, restorative. Presented in three sections, these verses pose the wonder of nature, the love of family, even the delight of a pet. An elegant medley.

From Scott Mitchell – 5 starts – Lauren Scott will touch your soul

Reading Ms. Scott’s poetry is like roaming the pages of a spiritual book and you can feel a connection. Upon picking up this book I first read “Ever So Gently” and felt an instant connection, as I’ve lived such moments myself during bushcrafting adventures, connected to nature and all of creation. As I continue to read, each poem is equally as deep and reveals not only the writers soul, but my own. Balroop Singh – 5 stars – Brilliant and Relatable

From Balroop Singh – 5 stars – Brilliant and Relatable

Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”

From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.

From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!

I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”

Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:

“And water hasn’t caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”
“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”
“How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)

A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.

From Diana W. Peach – 5 stars – Feel-good poems about love and appreciation

When I read Scott’s poetry, I know I’ll unearth thoughts and feelings deeply personal to her life, reflections that will undoubtedly resonate with mine. The experience of what it is to be human, the shared longings and losses, and the way love shapes our days is the thread that ties this collection together.

This book of about 90 poems is divided into three parts. The first is a peaceful exploration of nature; the second, Scott’s appreciation of the many forms of love in her life; and finally, a series of poems on a broader scope of thoughts. They’re all lovely and positive with an underlying theme of love and appreciation. This is a feel-good collection of both free-form and syllabic poetry that I’m delighted to recommend.

A few favorites: “The Hummingbird’s Quest” (from the section on nature). “The World is Broken,” “If the Universe would Share,” and “Mom’s Plea” (from the section on loved ones). “Maybe,” and “Other Worlds” (from the section on broader reflections). A romantic beauty:

The Giver

He pulls me
into myself so
I may see
qualities
he loved from the beginning
though his perception
runs deeper –
mine, a trace of clouds,
then he lifts
my heart and
soul to the starlit sky where
our dreams become us.