I was introduced to Joy Neal Kidney’s family history by reading Leora’s Letters, which is a book that touches on love, family, faith, loss, and resilience. Beautiful and heartbreaking. Meadowlark Songs offers the same effect: a culmination of excellent research into the depth of the women in Joy’s lineage. Through elegant poetry, prose, and priceless photographs, I was presented a window into seven generations, including the author who became “The Memory Keeper.” Guided by faith, each woman inspired the next, celebrating victories while encouraging strength and tenacity through loss and hardships. Every generational memory is one of love, admiration, and honor.

This book covers stories of farm life, of “Women in long dresses,” of good times and unimaginable sufferings. The genealogy began in Virginia but landed in the west where the Motherline planted roots in Iowa, the 29th State – five of the women lived in Guthrie County. Kidney’s account of her Motherline is poignant and highly recommended. A lovely example of her poetic voice is:

I Inherited Iowa

from ancestors’ long-ago decisions
to settle here, a land of small towns,
gravel roads to hike,
meadowlark songs,
the chirre of redwing blackbirds,

lilacs in spring, wild roses,
lilies of the field, the call of pheasants,
a neighborhood barred owl,
a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa State Fair,

the Milky Way sprinkled across night skies,
bur oaks sheltering pioneer graves,
bountiful autumns,
the hush of snowy Januarys.

The American flag gained two stars
while I was in high school,
the Pledge of Allegiance added two words,
“under God.”

Though I’ve traveled the nation
and abroad, I’m blessed by the choice
of those long-ago pilgrims
of Iowa, Beautiful Land.

—–

Thank you to Lauren for this winsome review.

Lauren Scott is a poet and author. Her latest book is King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry. If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet, you’ll find this so compelling. (You’ll find my review on Amazon.) Here is her Amazon Author Page featuring all her other books.

Please check out Lauren’s website, Baydreamer Writes.