In the words of Ada Limon, writing poetry is a safe place for our emotions. Shelley Getten, author of the book Of Cows and Crows, holds these words to heart.
"I learned things about myself and came to a deeper understanding of that time in my life that was so difficult," says Getten.
Her book of poetry revolves around one specific geographic location: a farm in rural central Minnesota. Through her introspective words, Getten recalls navigating teenhood, loneliness in the country, companionship with animals and an intimate relationship with land.
"My horse was my best friend," laughs Getten, "my poetry was my therapist."
Getten began writing poetry in order to understand herself internally and grow through hard times, and now she brings her tender words and freeing imagery of the countryside into the world to reach the eyes of those who need them.
You can pick up Of Cows and Crows at Zenith Book Store in Duluth. Additionally, Getten will be at Zenith on Tuesday, October 15th from 7-8:30pm for a release event.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.