"When you are very old, with snowy hair,
Sitting beside the fire at candle-light,
You will remember all my rhymes aright..."
The Valley of Vision, by Blanche Mary Kelly, is a collection of poetry rich in tradition. With evocative and emotional subject matter Kelly's words transcend her own background to convey universal truths. The topics are varied, revealing experiences such as anger at unnecessary loss, the challenge of grappling with a withered faith, the joy in examining the beauty of one's home, and the profound fear when a child wanders too far from home.
Kelly's poetry is rich with rhyming couplets and flowing meter. The poems are accessible for any reader. Kelly often uses subjects from the Catholic faith, Irish folklore, and her own experiences. She presents these in ways that are palpable to a broad audience, while also speaking directly to those that lived similar experiences. Kelly describes the figures in her poetry to share their personal stories and give an emotional glimpse into their lives. While some of the events described occurred a century ago, the themes are timeless, making this poetry enjoyable for the young and old.