Critical Commentary
Comments on Wild Raspberries (Plain View Press, 2009)
"Wild Raspberries is a poetry of plain talk with images from the countryside and family life. Crisp and clear, these poems by Beth Paulson often have the feeling of haiku. Their task is truly 'seeing' the world, a world far from cities and today's turmoil, for their author seeks respite in reflection on nature. An epigraph that opens one poem, 'A poem is a walk' (A. R. Ammons) expresses the books' philosophy as the poet invites us to join her in seeking the 'comfort of stones; and the lessons of the fox."
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Mary Crow, Former Colorado Poet Laureate
"Beth Paulson's poems are a kind of stillness, a quietly examined life in lines as clear as a mountain stream. 'How will we be changed?' she asks at one point. 'Will the world?' This welcome collection is her earned reply.”
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David Mason, Professor English, The Colorado College
Review of The Company of Trees
"An intimate book to snuggle with and savor. In searching for miracles, Beth Paulson leads us on one literary journey after another, to wildflower fields, city streets, museum rooms, even the kitchen. Everywhere we follow her, she transforms quotidian objects and situations into moments of celebration. Like the painters she admires, she has an eye for detail and a keen talent for pulling us in. She invites us to accompany her in a poetic exploration, 'Don't you, too, look out for what's beautiful in the world and also terrifying?' And in reading her words, how can we help but join along?" (Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Director, Telluride Writers Guild, Author of If You Listen and Insatiable)
Recent reviews of By Stone, By Water
“Within the quiet and calm of this voice is an invitation for one to listen, to share the flame, fireweed, ashes, smoke, sorrow – the beautiful moths of a poet’s vision – ‘Listen,’ says Beth Paulson, ‘the wind showed me this.’” (Sandra Alcosser, author of Except by Nature)
“In this stunningly resonant reading, Beth’s poems connect keenly observed sensuality with deeply felt spirituality, connect what is wild and ancient with what is human and present. Greatly inspiring!” (Karen Chamberlain, poet and Founding Director of the Aspen Writers’ Foundation)