In the Lilac Hour& Other Poems

by John Muro

The poems in John Muro's first book, In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems , move with a sure hand between closed forms (especially sonnets), invented forms, poems after writers like Keats and Frost, and free verse; and they are committed to seeing and honoring the passing of seasons, of friends and family, and to the birds and flowers that constitute the local reality of our everyday lives. Looking closely and surely at the world around him, Muro's descriptive abilities are everywhere the crack of a screen door shutting lingers "long on pneumatic air"; a pear is a "tilted Buddha"; swans are "high, heavy clouds / idly set upon the water"; cardinal flowers are "incendiary petal flare, the arching thrust / Of fireworks in descent." But the poems always widen from a series of exacting and fresh images to a wider context-the diminishing habitat of Lady Slippers or a Swainson's Thrush running up against the glass windows of a suburban house. These deft and heartfelt poems trace our connections and disconnections to nature, community, and family while amplifying and celebrating life.

108 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems is a collection that rewards patience and attention. John Muro’s poetry is rooted in observation of landscapes, seasons, and quiet moments yet it consistently opens into deeper emotional and reflective territory. These poems do not rush the reader; instead, they invite a slower, more thoughtful engagement.

What makes this collection especially compelling is its restraint. Muro allows images to speak for themselves, trusting the reader to find meaning in the spaces between lines. Nature is not used as decoration here, but as a lens through which memory, solitude, and time are examined with care and honesty.

There is a calm confidence in the writing that makes the poems feel timeless rather than trendy. This is poetry that values clarity, precision, and emotional sincerity. Readers who appreciate contemplative verse and finely crafted language will find this collection deeply satisfying.

[Dammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems offers a quietly immersive reading experience. John Muro’s poems are grounded in observation and shaped by a sensitivity to both the natural world and the inner life. The writing feels measured and confident, allowing moments of stillness to carry emotional weight.

Throughout the collection, nature becomes a space for reflection rather than escape. Landscapes and seasons mirror human experience, offering insight without sentimentality. The poems strike a careful balance between clarity and suggestion, leaving room for the reader’s own interpretation.

This is a collection that values craft and contemplation. It will appeal especially to readers who appreciate poetry that is thoughtful, well-paced, and rooted in genuine observation. Muro’s voice is steady and assured, making this a memorable and rewarding read.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Muro’s In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems is a thoughtful meditation on stillness, place, and perception. The poems feel anchored in the natural world, yet they extend beyond simple description into reflections on change, memory, and the quiet patterns that shape our lives.

The strength of this collection lies in its attentiveness. Small details light, texture, movement are treated with respect and care, giving each poem a sense of purpose and cohesion. There is nothing hurried or excessive in the language; every word feels chosen, deliberate, and earned.

This is a book that encourages rereading. Each return reveals new layers of meaning, making it especially rewarding for readers who enjoy poetry that unfolds gradually rather than declaring itself all at once. A refined and deeply engaging collection.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a quiet elegance to In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems that sets it apart. John Muro writes with an attentiveness that transforms everyday scenes into moments of reflection and meaning. The poems feel grounded and sincere, offering insight without exaggeration or excess.

What stands out is the way the collection sustains its tone calm, observant, and reflective while still maintaining variety and depth. Each poem contributes to a larger sense of continuity, creating a cohesive reading experience from beginning to end.

This book is well suited to readers who value subtlety in poetry and who enjoy spending time with language that unfolds slowly and thoughtfully. In the Lilac Hour & Other Poems is a carefully crafted collection that lingers in the mind long after reading.