Sarah Carlson
As we all do, Sarah Carlson has many pieces to her whole. Those pieces include: mother, teacher, widow, skier, bicyclist, hiker, coach, drummer, and poet. Sarah lives in the western foothills of Maine where opportunities to make connections amid the splendor of the rivers, lakes, and mountains are plentiful. She developed her unique poetic voice as she began to process the sudden death of her husband, Barry, both therapeutically and out in natural world.
Her first book was published in February of 2018. Titled The Radiance of Change, it is a culmination of 12-years of writing and photography, with 175 parings of the two.
Her second book, In the Currents of Quiet, was published in April of 2020. Spanning almost 14-years of writing, this book represents a shift from healing to embracing health. Sarah, of course, had no idea that we, as a society, would land in this place of uncertainty and isolation at the very same time her book would be ready to make its way into readers’ hands. She feels, however, that the presence of her words and photos may be just what people need right here, right now. She gently shares her experiences of exploring the many facets of loss, self-discovery, and healing. This book, these poems, are a way to enter into being more at ease with whatever is present. They have the potential to soothe, settle, and allow readers moments of grace and peace during trying times. Sarah believes that, though she does write the poetry, in truth it is writing her.
Both books can be read as an ongoing story or the reader can pick them up for occasional tidbits of tenderness that are infused with the wisdom of one who has carefully examined that which can cause dis-ease. Sarah shares her work with the hope that her words and photographs may aid others in healing from whatever challenges their lives may contain.
Sarah received her B.S. in Education in 1990 and her M.Ed. in 2009. Her books beautifully combine her love of the outdoors, journey toward wellness, and 30-years of experience in the field of education.