Rachel Guido deVries' new book of poetry, Gambler's Daughter, reminds me of the serenity & the multi colors of nature: spring gardens, summer lakes, autumn trees. Yet all the while a Northern New York State winter is building for an old-time knock down, drag out, momentous lake-effect storm. But as a metaphor, that is life everywhere. Loss, gain & many changes fill life & deVries' poetry.

The poet yearns for silence, is aware of life's solitariness & longs for belonging. deVries sees life as it is, grieves for her losses & is buoyed by the spirit of nature & love. She celebrates life by loving with charming panache: "purple overalls, rounded eggplants/ and plums." (Lover in the Garden)

deVries' word-pictures are stunning. The imagery contains an almost Zen-like Haiku feeling. The image of the crow diving down in "Prayer" endures because the rest of the poem gives it a wonderful home to live in. It belongs & so does this book.