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What Remains: Poems
In her second collection of poetry, Laura Kauffman demonstrates that nothing is mundane.
Rich in imagery of parenting, faith, and the natural world, What Remains extols the wild beauty of ordinary life. As Kauffman turns her attention to both the significant and everyday, the relatable and the surprising, she invites the reader to consider where the holy might be hiding. A kitchen table becomes an altar, a hospital bed a confessional, and unblinking attention a form of prayer.
As the author uses poetry to sift through the contents of her days, she considers what passes away and what remains.
Rich in imagery of parenting, faith, and the natural world, What Remains extols the wild beauty of ordinary life. As Kauffman turns her attention to both the significant and everyday, the relatable and the surprising, she invites the reader to consider where the holy might be hiding. A kitchen table becomes an altar, a hospital bed a confessional, and unblinking attention a form of prayer.
As the author uses poetry to sift through the contents of her days, she considers what passes away and what remains.
127 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2021
6 people want to read
About the author
Laura Kauffman
3 books10 followersLaura Kauffman, MA, is a writer, poet, and spiritual director. She is the author of three poetry collections ("Ordinary Things," "What Remains," and "Carolina Clay: A Collection of Poems on Love and Loss" (Dustlings Press)) and one book on contemplative prayer (Baker Books, coming fall 2026). Her work has appeared in Fathom Mag, The Clayjar Review, Collected Online Arts Magazine, The Mudroom, and more. Laura lives in the loess hills of Iowa with her favorite humans — three boys and their dad. Find out more about Laura on Instagram, Substack, and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 2, 2023
This was a delightful little poetry collection. I related to a lot of the poems, and she gave words to things I have felt, and or things that were true deep down, but I didn't know they were true until I read them. That's what good poetry does.
The poems are honest, and at times, brave and curious. All of them are very accessible to someone who wants to "read more poetry."
Poems in this collection I've earmarked to return to again later:
Imperfect, Parenting
The Magi
Eclipse
Let There Be Light (I really loved this one)
The Love House
The Swallows
Twilight
The Psalm of Squirrels
The poems are honest, and at times, brave and curious. All of them are very accessible to someone who wants to "read more poetry."
Poems in this collection I've earmarked to return to again later:
Imperfect, Parenting
The Magi
Eclipse
Let There Be Light (I really loved this one)
The Love House
The Swallows
Twilight
The Psalm of Squirrels
May 7, 2025
Poems resonating within me…
Sitting on Helen’s bed a week before she died, singing, “All night, all day, angels watching over you I pray”. Holy ground. (Caleb)
Remembering my grandson’s hands on my face, gently turning my head, “Listen, Grandma Susan”. (4PM)
Amazing, God’s gift of words through this author.
Sitting on Helen’s bed a week before she died, singing, “All night, all day, angels watching over you I pray”. Holy ground. (Caleb)
Remembering my grandson’s hands on my face, gently turning my head, “Listen, Grandma Susan”. (4PM)
Amazing, God’s gift of words through this author.
May 14, 2022
Beautiful, thought provoking, honest. It’s no surprise that “What Remains” blew me away. It’s depth. It’s simplicity. Laura is truly a gift!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews