Stephen Jaech’s Harmony River is a heartfelt collection of poetry that immerses the reader in the rhythm of nature, memory, and human emotion. Rooted in the evocative landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the poems weave vivid imagery with introspective musings. Themes of loss, redemption, and the passage of time are explored through moments that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether he’s describing a goldfinch thumping against a window or the shimmer of moonlight over a quiet river, Jaech creates an atmosphere where every line invites participation, not just observation.

The poem “Enduring Grace” opens with a poignant image: “It is an unlatched gate you enter and find / a recognizable cobblestone path.” This line transported me instantly to a space of nostalgia and warmth, yet it also left room for introspection. Similarly, “Harmony River” pulses with the wild yet serene energy of the natural world, where a salmon’s fight against the current becomes a metaphor for resilience. Jaech’s ability to layer meaning into simple observations is captivating; it made me pause and reread passages just to soak in the depth.

The shadow of grief and the ache of lost connections loom over many poems, such as “Dark Houses,” where abandoned homes become symbols of forgotten lives. Jaech’s poem “The Gift of Music” brought tears to my eyes as it described the transformative power of art with lines like, “The wonder comes out / from the trembling of his heart.” It’s rare for poetry to feel this raw and this hopeful at the same time, and Jaech balances these contrasts masterfully.

One of the delights of this collection is how it revisits familiar thematic ground with a sense of depth and reflection. Poems like “Gathering” and “Wind Telephone” build on recurring motifs, offering the reader a chance to immerse even further in Jaech’s contemplative world. These moments reinforce the collection’s cohesiveness and highlight Jaech’s gift for language. His vivid descriptions, the frailty of an angelfish in a waiting room or a lone telephone that lets you speak with the dead, are striking and linger long after you turn the page.

Harmony River is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant work that will appeal to lovers of poetry, nature writing, and reflective prose. It’s the kind of book best read slowly, with time to savor each image and thought. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys being swept up in the quiet, powerful currents of life’s joys and sorrows.

Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0DMYRJ8WP