If You Listen: Poems & Photographs of the San Juan Mountains

Thought it was coffee table size and it was very small. Great pictures, but because too small, lost effect. Returned book.

I have all of Rosemerry Trommer's books and her CD's, too. Guess you can call me a Rosemerry groupie. Since having the pleasure of seeing her perform in person, I am more open to the beauty of poetry than ever before. Her words sing and paint pictures I can dive into. She is inspiring. I am amazed at the 1-star review; guess it takes all kinds to make a world. I can't imagine anyone not being moved by the majestic photos and charmed by the excellent poetry that can be deeply philosophical or light and whimsical with equal grace and style. This collection is a delight.

What a wonderful little gift size book to give or keep for yourself. Although a little pricey,(typical of first efforts/small publishers) it is beautifully designed and a nice volume to keep by your reading chair or on your desk. And yes (to previous reviewer), it is all around - very Telluride. Such a mixture of poetry and photography speaks to the reader of persons truly in love with their surroundings, as many who live in Telluride are. It is, nowadays, a place of priviledge. For those of us without the priviledge to be there, we are still priviledged in this book to have a peek at theirr surroundings unmarred by festival crowds and crooned to privately by one of it's local poets. This book was a recent 2001 Willa award finalist and I have heard tell of another book from these women in the works. A good pairing, each complimenting the other's specialty. I look forward to more beautiful books from them.

Mickey Newbury, famed singer, songwriter, and poet has said that one can make some mistakes with words when writing a book. The sheer vastness of the words will allow for some mistakes. Not so with song writing or poetry. With these you must be precise and every word must say what it means and mean what it says. Rosemerry Trommer has obviously listened to this advice. If You Listen is a collection of exquisite poetry and stunning photographs of an area of the United States unmatched in its beauty, both physical and aural. The San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado have had their share of advocates over the years but none to match that of Rosemerry Trommer and Eileen Benjamin. Where to start? well, first, the poetry is awesome. If you want to experience the sounds of the mountains from a master that carefully selects every word, then read "this mountain knows secrets" or "the trail more traveled" or, my favorite, "if you listen." But then there are tributes to the San Miguel River, Aspens, Wildflowers, and a host of other natural phenomeon's that all have distinct messages...if you listen. One interesting feature of this poetry is it actually sounds as good read aloud as to yourself. Thus, read some of this poetry to a friend and watch as they react to its clarity, charm, and simply wonderful message. Then, as a bonus, show them the photographs. Ah, the photographs. In a word, they are "magnificent." This should have been published as a coffee-table type book. The pictures of Priest Lake and the San Miguel River are as good as they get. I know this may be read with some skepticism but Benjamin's photographs are as good as Ansel Adams and others of his caliber. It is amazing this book is as reasonably priced as it is. If you buy only one poetry book this year, make it this one. You will be getting a book written by one of the premier poet's of the southwest along with unbelievable photographs by a first rank photographer, all wrapped up in a hard-bound package at an affordable price.Remember, read these poems to a friend and watch them listen.