Songs from the Multiverse

With every voice, a universe, what begins with a declaration of independence by a wall becomes the voice of an oracle. M. L. Lyons guides us into territory rich with arias in the service of birth and survival, pain and healing. Even when the words reach us through shadows and rain, the language shimmers. From "touch is timed to wind and wave" to "the great spiral of sound that stems from this world," every sense is stirred.

-Trina Gaynon, Author of the Alphabet of Romance and Quince, Rose, Grace of God

In this collection of breath and breadth, M. L. Lyons invites the reader to look closely into the natural, the elemental, the ekphrastic and the empathetic. This is an I of many eyes, from "a shimmer / of hummingbirds," to "the soul of ice, to "love as varied as all the colors." These are poems that invite witness to forgiveness; that ask its objects, in turn and in connection, to forgive.

-John Miller, Author of Olympic

Compelling, elegant, and remarkably honest, Songs from the Multiverse is filled with stark, realistic poems that paint an intimate portrait of identity, loss, family, and the ever-present need for empathy. In these vibrant poems of nature and biography, M. L. Lyons showcases a true talent for imbuing the smallest human details with authenticity and layered meanings. Each poem maps out the human heart in relation to that larger earth heart, in all their internal conflicts, with precision and grace. Overflowing with vivid and accessible language, Songs from the Multiverse is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, reminding us of the beautiful complexities of being human.

-John Sibley Williams, Author of seven award-winning poetry collections including As One Fire Consumes Another and Skin Memory, co-founder of the Inflectionist Review

M. L. Lyons is a poet, writer and arts advocate. She was awarded a Klepser fellowship in Creative Writing from University of Washington. After interning at Copper Canyon Press, she co-edited Raising Lilly Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workplace. Her poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart and recently she received a scholarship to Hedgebrook writers residency.