These poems offer a spiritual biography of a remarkable woman of faith, a Benedictine Oblate and spiritual adviser who lived her life according to St. Benedict's Holy Rule ("ora and labora"--pray and work). Juxtaposed with poems on her life, others reflect on Benedictine traditions such as praying the Liturgy of the Hours, taking vows of stability, hospitality, silence, plus engendering respect for the environment and all living things. This collection includes a variety of poetic forms, styles, and voices, even St. Benedict's.

Philip C. Kolin is the Distinguished Professor of English (Emeritus) at the University of Southern Mississippi where he also edits the Southern Quarterly. He has written or edited 40 books, including seven collections of poetry, the most recent being Emmett Till in Different States: Poems.