Seasoned by Karen Betz Mastracchio

Karen Mastracchio is a poet with a delicate touch. As such, she has seasoned her first poetry collection with vivid yet delicate images that soften even the hard parts of life, combining occasions of nostalgia with the ability to be clearly present in the moment. With poems like “Memories,” “The Carolinian,” “Gatesville, TX,” “Unfinished Business,” “Resurrection,” “In the Garden,” “Whiplash,” “Riding the Peace Train,” and “Homecoming,” Karen reminds us that life is a winding journey through scattered stardust and that we are ballasted by a wafting smell of hope. In these pages, the reader will find moments of grace, insight, and promise.

–Eric Blanchard, author of The Good Parts

“Karen’s work, Seasoned, enlivens the soul. Her profound ability to weave artistry and beauty within the lines of her poetry, invites readers to experience life with all five senses and enlightened thoughtfulness. Her inspired poetry provides soulful lessons from everyday life. It also keenly captures nature’s innate ability to bring us joy – if we will only observe with wonder, and listen. Seasons is a sheer delight to read and experience.”

–Angelique Barber, Poet and Writer

In Seasoned, Karen Mastracchio guides the reader through “the sensual embrace of experience.” With a body “worn firm with resolution,” Mastracchio spotlights the beauty, wisdom, and challenges that accompany aging. She reminds us that while “age wrinkles edges,” we always have reasons “to still be singing praise for the sunrise.” This skillfully-written poetry collection is ageless.

–Loretta Diane Walker, Member, Texas Institute of Letters, Phillis Wheatley Award Winner