Duties of the Spirit

Poetry. "Readers will discover many facets of Fargnoli's voice, but two attributes that will most impress readers are, first, the almost shimmering gladness with which Ms. Fargnoli replies to the gifts of beauty and of human love; and, second, the compassion with which she adresses whatever is beyond her won intimate surroundings"—Mary Oliver. DUTIES OF THE SPIRIT comprises deeply moving, lyrical and unforgettable explorations of the joys and fears that come with growing older in America. Patricia Fargnoli, a retired psychotherapist, is a Macdowell fellow and associate editor of The Worcester Review. Her first book, Necessary Light, was selected by Mary Oliver for the May Swenson Poetry Award.