Moonlight in My Eyes has brightened the year 2023 with poet James Richard Hansen's exquisite descriptions of nature and his part in it. The moon, stars, wind, the sea, and occasionally even the sun, paint every nuance of his feelings with the music of words. In 42 poems that capture the magic of the night, we get to share a palette of emotions by one who sees and loves life in all its moods and shades, the dark and the light, and every facet of the spirit.
Most of the poems are short, and every word belongs, a perfect symphony of insights and sensations. And with each rereading, the visitor gains new depths, new vibrations on the strings that the poet's words set into motion. Every line and image awakens sympathetic harmonies, and like classical music, the clear and simple language elicits the most complex emotional responses. Each poem embraces the mind and its rainbow of passions. Each poem invites repeated readings and reveals new discoveries of both the poet's soul and the reader's yearnings. Here is a small excerpt:
As the sunset faded, the moon captured my heart. The silver sorcerer sang with the stars a nocturne of dreams and desires. The music put me to sleep on the beach in a fantasy of wonder.
In addition to this collection of 42 wondrous nature poems, the book gives us the marvel of 13 love poems written to the poet's wife, Kristen. In "Darkness to Diamonds," he concludes with:
Your smile imbues my soul with warmth… In my life of much trouble and pain, my time with you has been an oasis of love.
Looking into the heart and mind of a poet of Hansen's giftedness enriches the reader's experience as well. Keep this booklet close by.
