No Wonder: Poems

When we say the phrase "no wonder!" in American English, we are often expressing an ah hah! realization about something that was previously confusing: something surprising suddenly becomes clear. When we say the words "no wonder!" we are often, in fact, having a mini moment of revelation. In the collection "No Wonder," Midwest poet Elizabeth G. Howard uses the natural world and explorations of the ordinary to better understand a journey through love, caregiving, and middle age.

Tender, honest, and unapologetically feminist, "No Wonder" navigates the complexities of caregiving, the persistent push-pull of societal expectations, and our human need to grapple with identity. Unspoken tensions simmer beneath daily life, revealing sweet and curious relationships with one another and the natural world.

This poetry explores the interconnectedness of our body and spirit, wrestling with questions of desire, worth, and belonging. Diverse stories of motherhood, sisterhood, and selfhood reveal joy, anxiety, sacrifice, and a yearning for connection. Each poem taps into a dance of intimacy and unspoken dreams, acknowledging how power dynamics shape our bonds.

"No Wonder" invites the reader to embrace uncertainty and welcome a full spectrum of emotion. Even in chaos, nature remains in persistent beauty. This collection gives space for connection, reflection, and ultimately, wonder. It also bears witness to a shared vulnerability, courage of self-expression, and the enduring magic of the ordinary.