Karen Mooney Boeken

'Missing Pieces' is a collection of poems tracing the story of love, loss and relationships, exploring moments, memories and reflections from early childhood to the present day. "Karen Mooney has come to poetry with great honesty and insightfulness. Her kaleidoscope of poems and haibun visit places often emotionally painful and challenging, but always with a delicacy of touch that assures a long-lasting and deep connection with the reader. From aching sadness (Prepared) 'grave papers for a child not spoken of', to the hopefulness of renewed life (Aubretia) 'You spill out of pots and beds, seed waves of blue', we are taken through a journey of memory where the language sings and the melody resonates long afterwards. These are poems to be re-read and treasured and I look forward to the 'many pieces' of a full collection." Lynda Tavakoli, author of The Boiling Point for Jam (Arlen House)

These poems are for you, for all of you. They were written during the pandemic, mostly in the early months when we all became acutely aware of the heroes around us who bravely went about the business of saving lives as we stayed at home to do the same. Those everyday heroes who went to work, ensuring the continuance of essential services and the volunteers who gave of their time and skills to support others. Those who have endured pain, worry or anxiety through suffering and loss, perhaps even waiting on treatment for other health conditions. You too are heroes, as are those who struggle with their mental health just to get through each day. We have all struggled to find ways to connect throughout this period, and we hope that these poems will contribute towards the many conversations around these unprecedented circumstances. Gaynor & Karen