The Heron Could be Lost

These poems are luminous and generous, making room for newts, crickets, stars, and a boundlessly tender view of the human condition. Each poem is laced with affection for humanity, and has a curious, intimate take on the natural world. They acknowledge the wobbliness, uncertainty, and danger of an unknown future, and they are superb company along the way. Buff Bradley brings a heartening and playful voice to grave matters; his sensibility is steeped in delight.

-Julie Searle



I have been reading Buff Whitman-Bradley's wonderful poems for many years now and am always grateful for the "sweet moment of pause" they give me to see the world with a fresh gaze. The poems offer not only new perspectives on the ordinary and everyday-a frog seeking a career in show biz, a mushroom praising its existence, a spring day arriving in a delivery truck-they also invite me to listen to and learn from the natural world, to "cultivate quiescence and pay more attention to owls." As a grandfather, I want to share with my grandchildren the encouragement these poems offer for looking more closely at the world around us; and I welcome the time spent with oatmeal cookies, crickets and stars, wayfaring ladybugs, and friendly porch lights from distant galaxies.

-Rod Anderson