Bluffton poet and creative writer, Ruth Naylor, has published a collection of poetry in a new book centering on her family relationships, aptly titled “A Family Affair.”

Over the years her poetry had appeared in a wide variety of periodicals and a few anthologies. Naylor said that the book’s title refers to the passing on of family heritage and love from grandparents to grandchildren, as well as to the issue of dealing with separation, divorce and illness. 

Naylor’s poetry centers on cherished memories as well as difficult situations that people typically push down inside feelings we are hesitant to share, but which find release and purpose when spilled onto paper. 

“What we learn through reflection can help us understand ourselves and relate more fully to others because so much of life is universal. Family relations contain much joy but perfection eludes humankind at all levels,” she said.

Three published poets and one book editor wrote endorsements for Naylor’s collection. Two excerpts follow:

“. . .In reading these poems about family, we can see our own family experience in a new light.” 
   -Richard A. Kauffman, book review editor, the Christian Century

“Ruth Naylor’s alert and graceful poems testify to her long immersion in the difficult beauty of human love. … A Family Affair is a gift to us all.”  
   -Jeff Gundy, Bluffton University professor and poet

In Bluffton, the book is on sale at Greg’s Pharmacy and Bluffton Senior Citizens Center. It may also be purchased at Amazon.com or directly from the publisher.

Naylor earned her bachelor’s degree from Bluffton College and master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. 

She has also studied at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., and completed a two-year program in spiritual guidance from Shalem Institute in Washington, D.C. 

She taught in the English Department at Bluffton High School from 1972 to 1984 and served on the pastoral staff at First Mennonite Church from 1984 to 1995, after which she became the Interim Conference Minister for Central District Conference.

In retirement Naylor provides one-to-one spiritual direction on an ecumenical basis. She continues her interest in creative writing and has taught several writing courses at Bluffton University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement. 

Her book is published by Finishing Line Press, Georgetown, Ky., a publishing house that focuses on poetry.

Here is an example of one of the poems in the collection:

This Is Forever

            The promise was made
            On a wild flower day while
                 Breathing April hours,
            Clutching tender hopes
            That Now would last
                 Forever.

But when darkness came
A tear soaked pillow
     Stifled dreams
And whispered nightmares
Until the dawn.  It seemed
    Forever.

The adult morning
Brought a fragrant bouquet:
     Love shares
All of life’s hours.
So shall it be
     Forever.
    
  - Ruth Naylor

Paperback
Publisher: Finishing Line Press; 1st edition (2013)
ISBN-10: 1622294939
ISBN-13: 978-1622294930
List price: $14.00