In Precious the Mule, Mary Ricketson sings the rhythms and patience of one mule named Precious. The poet walks the path by the mule every day, learning from the mule “Time is all there is.” All of Nature shines and sings along. “A whippoorwill woos the night.”

--Country is Shelby Stephenson’s recent book. He was poet laureate of North Carolina from 2015-2018.

In Mary Ricketson’s latest poetry book, I am amazed once again at her writing skills.Having overcome challenges of her own, Mary forms an attachment with an injured Arabian mule belonging to her neighbor.She visits him often and gives him comfort, as he stands and waits for the leg to heal.The combination of the mule with exquisite mountain scenery creates a tender and touching book.

Glenda Barrett, author of When the Sap Rises and The Beauty of Silence.