Poetry

How to Navigate Our Universe

“Unraveling meaning from partial glimpses of the universe has preoccupied astronomers for thousands of years. Mary Soon Lee’s remarkable collection of poetry traces this journey, capturing the wonder of the celestial bodies that comprise our universe, the elegance of the rules that guide its evolution and the humanity of those who search to better our understanding.”

Andy Connolly, Professor of Astronomy, University of Washington

“There are poems that think deeply. There are poems that feel deeply. Here are entire constellations of poems managing to do both at once, accessibly and with a subtle music which seems far more effortless than I suspect it is. Ranging from witty to elegantly serious, apolitical to frankly feminist, this collection celebrates astronomy and space exploration — but never limits itself to those topics. Instead, it expands with its own dark energy, inviting the reader to consider how our views of the universe affect our own humanity.”

Ann K. Schwader, SFPA Grand Master

“With eloquent celestial-themed verse, Mary Soon Lee educates, delights, and surprises.”

Beth Cato, two-time Rhysling Award winner

“Mary Soon Lee’s extraordinary poetry brings [that sense of wonder] rushing back, rekindling the visceral awe in even the most rigorously sophisticated contemporary models of the universe. Combining a whimsical and graceful voice with a deeply probing mind, she reminds us that at heart, science remains a human endeavor.”

Jake Yeston, Science Magazine

The Sign of the Dragon

“It’s as close to perfect as a book can get… I already know this will be one of my favorites for the year. A favorite book, period.”

Beth Cato, two-time Rhysling Award winner

“What an utterly beautiful, impressive, & occasionally heartbreaking reading experience!”

Ann K. Schwader, SFPA Grand Master

“This is an absolutely stunning work that I will read and reread.”

T. Frohock, author of the Los Nefilim series

Elemental Haiku

“ELEMENTAL HAIKU is a special alchemy of poetry and science that demonstrates something that’s easily forgotten: that these chemical elements are more than just symbols in squares on a table.”

The Sciku Project

“Lee is a master alchemist of words.”

Strange Horizons

“Science-minded poetry lovers—and poetry-loving science minds—will relish this little collection […] ELEMENTAL HAIKU is a whimsical, wondrous delight!”

Bas Bleu

“The three line poems carry an essence of simplicity, musicality and marvelous imagery.”

Long Review Review

"You'll find a bite-sized chunk of science and history on each page that doesn't come across as pedantic. A perfect book for reading aloud or just contemplating quietly while you relax, Elemental Haiku would make a great gift for the science nerd in your life.

Provo City Library

"On the basis of this beautifully crafted collection, I would place Mary Soon Lee firmly among their ranks. The book deserves a place in chemistry classrooms and on poetry shelves everywhere."

Marian Christie Poetry