This is Amba Elieff's first volume of poetry. The entire collection was written over the course of 50 years - and is a glimpse into the mind of a woman as she contends with her life's experiences. Those experiences are familiar to most. They can be as simple as a child finding their toes, as complex as working through divorce or as challenging as coming to terms with yourself. The book is divided into 3 sections each one a stage of womanhood. Each poem captures moments in life as she moves through these 3 stages. Maiden is a young woman trying to find herself, find someone to love, begin to heal herself, understand where she fits in the world. Mother is a blend of motherhood and divorce - they went hand in hand.

Crone is the later years in life looking at the change and aging she is now experiencing. Looking back from where she has been and forward to what is left. Throughout, she is trying to find peace and acceptance with herself and her world. Somewhere you may recognize pieces of your story too. Maiden Mother Crone received the 2023 Imadjinn Award. @amba.elieff.