Season of Mercy

Season of Mercy explores the different "seasons" of spiritual life and examines issues of faith and responsibility. This evocative collection charts the passage of the soul through time, from the darkness of despair to the awakening and understanding of one's own caling and vocation. "A long battle of constellations we are,/ clinging clandestinely/ to light after light/ swinging back into darkness/ once more into mercy."

Skillfully drawing on myth, nature, biblical themes, and her own experience as a writer and mother, Ito weaves a philosophic and poetic landscape from which the world can be comprehended with grace and compassion.

This second volume of poems by award-winning Sally Ito follows her successful debut Frogs in the Rain Barrel, which was runner-up for the Milton Acorn's People's Poetry Award. Season of Mercy explores the different seasons and issues surrounding faith and responsibility; from the darkness of despair to the awakening and understanding of one's own calling and vocation. Skillfully drawing on myth, biblical themes, the natural world, and her own experiences as a mother and writer, Ito weaves a philosophic and poetic landscape, commenting on the necessity of viewing the world around us with mercy, compassion and faith.

Touching on each of the four seasons, Ito addresses a vast range of subjects and muses - including adultery, Good Friday, rape by water, prayer, seahorses and the allure of floating islands. The poetry is rich, the language alive with allusion and metaphor.