“It’s ‘s not an understatement to say that Engagement Calendar is a life’s work. In these intense and shining elegies Mary Rutherford explores love, friendship, aging and nature with a birder’s searching eye and a rebel’s savage heart. With her insight, candor, and psychological depth, she proves the adage late bloom, best bloom.” – Molly Peacock”Mary Rutherford’s breakthrough collection, Engagement Calendar, is a powerful book of expansive and accessible poems that are both personally harrowing and redeeming. They signal the arrival of a voice that has taken far too long to be heard in our literature.” – Bruce Meyer”In rich, honest words Mary Rutherford touches myriad aspects of living–love of nature, the past, mortality, loss & grief–with openness, courage and compassion. In one poem she asks: ‘What words do I need to open the sky?’ This collection is her answer, poems to be read & reread, the expression of a beautiful & wild-flowering mind.” – James Clarke”Mary Rutherford’s command of rhythm, structure, and line goes beyond subject matter. Her mastery of free verse comes resonantly close to the traditions of English meter.” – A. F. Moritz