Welcome to the imaginative world of Irish poet Orna Ross.

If you’re a fan of Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, or the ancient wisdoms of Rumi, you’ll find poems in First Flush that inspire you.

This small chapbook is a taster of the sort of contemporary inspirational poetry that characterises Ross’ style. It’s often spiritual, not religious. Not shying away from hardships, the poems reflect the beauty of life, yes, but also the complexity and interconnectedness of human existence. What the great zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh, calls our “interbeing”.

These twelve take many forms, from narrative to haiku. Whether exploring why true love never hurts, pondering over a newborn baby, or modernising an ancient Irish blessing, each poem offers access to a unique aspect of splendour.