No One Can Stem the Tide: Selected Poetry 1931-1991

I am the eldest son of Jane Tyson Clement and am glad that more of her work is now published for all to read. My mother had a rich and diverse family history that is reflected in some of her writing. On her father's side was Bodo Otto, who came to America from Germany in 1755. He settled in Pennsylvania and later served as a physician with General George Washington's army during the American Revolution. On her mother's side was John Kitteredge, a ship's captain who was expelled from England after treating his ill or injured sailors without being licensed to do so. Some of his descendants settled in Pennsylvania as well. One of my mother's poems which was not included in this book was written for her father in December 1936 when she was a sophomore at Smith College. It is a sonnet entitled "On Moving from the City to the Mountains of Pennsylvania". At the time it was written, her father was leaving his position at Columbia University to become president of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The last verse refers to the mountains and reads:I shall know them. It has not been long since my forefathers plowed with square, strong hand the slanting fields, hearing the thrush's song. I shall remember where the fleet deer run, the dark hills reaching up to hide the sun.My mother loved nature, particularly birds and wildflowers. During my childhood and early youth, she instilled in me a love of nature as well as the appreciation of how learning about history can add another dimension to one's life. I shall always be grateful to her for this. Her poems and short stories blend these qualities with the deep spirituality, which was such an important part of her life. Jonathan B. Clement; East Greenbush, NY

Jane Clement's poems have power, depth, and remarkable sensitivity. They are not mere verse; Clement has something to say that you need to hear. If your life is harried and phrenetic, this book can help you find that quiet haven of peace where you can take a fresh look at the forces ruling your life. But to do this you will have to take time out to ponder these deceptively simple poems. You can't take them in on the run. They don't shout and posture; they whisper, like the whisper of quiet waters. But watch out: their power will come in on you, and no one can stem the tide.