Between Heaven and Earth

Between these covers, in the form of poems and prayers, is condensed the insight and spirituality of a life lived fully in South Africa, a country first in struggle and then in transition. They are wide-ranging in their style and subject matter-from free-verse to traditional forms, from heartfelt prayers to light-hearted poems, from poems on nature to poems that ask deep spiritual questions, from poems and prayers written when all is light and full of joy, to those that take one into the depths of loss and grief. In short, they will take you between heaven and earth. They are interspersed with whimsical drawings that enhance the experience. ""In this mindful book of poetry, Isobel de Gruchy embraces the sacredness of earth and the whole of creation. These are poems of intimacy with--rather than detachment from--creation, herself, and those who people her world. . . . Refresh your spirit as you reflect upon this book of vivid poetry."" --Judith Mayotte, author ""Is there greater praise than, 'I wish I wrote those poems?' Yes, there is. When I finished Between Heaven and Earth for the third time, I felt empowered to pick up my pen or cursor, and, not copy her words, but write that true poem about my own true life, to pick up my brush and paint my own grape flowers, rivers, camelthorn trees."" --Maren C. Tirabassi, author ""Out of life's elemental shards de Gruchy fashions images that help re-frame our lives. Welling out of the depths of her Christian faith, her message leaps across boundaries of race, place, and creed to link us in our common experiences between memory and hope, heaven and earth. Open this book and let your eyes see the world a little more deeply, a little more lovingly, even, as Emily Dickinson said, a little more slant."" --William J. Everett, author ""Like the psalms, these poems lyrically express our human condition. Whether you are celebrating life or struggling with grief, filled with hope or fighting despair, de Gruchy's words and drawings will move you and speak truth to your soul. With touches of humor, expressions of doubt, questions of anguish, and finally affirmations of faith, she traces the story of our lives. Take and read this wondrous work, giving thanks for this poet's great talent."" --Sandra M. Levy-Achtemeier, author, psychologist and Theologian-in-Residence, St. John's Church, Richmond, VA Isobel de Gruchy is a retired teacher and homemaker, Christian educator and volunteer worker, who lives with her husband, John, on Volmoed, a Christian Retreat and Conference Center, in South Africa. She has two sons, one of whom died tragically in 2010, a daughter and three grandchildren. She is the author of a book of poem/meditations on Julian of Norwich, Making All Things New, (2013). She devotes herself to poetry writing and painting, as well as compiling worship resources for the community.