“Life Notes by a Kentucky Woman: The Land, The Land, Always the Land (Volume 2)” by Sarah Cornett-Hagen is now available for purchase

“Life Notes by a Kentucky Woman: The Land, The Land, Always the Land (Volume 2)” by Sarah Cornett-Hagen is a poetic memoir reflecting on the author’s own experiences growing up in a coal camp in Kentucky. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.

Sarah Cornett-Hagen, who recently returned to Kentucky from Texas, now resides in Jenkins, Kentucky, only seven miles away from her place of birth in Haymond. Jenkins proudly promotes itself as a town “built from coal” through prominent billboards. Sarah’s cherished abode, Still Point, serves as the inspiration for her rich poetry and introspective philosophical writings. Her keen observations of life’s patterns are evident as she casts a spell of wonder through her heartfelt musings on life.

Her latest published work can be found in the anthology “Poetry as Prayer: Appalachian Women Speak” by Wind, while her tribute to Mt. Ashland, titled “Mountain Lady,” is set to be published in “The Rag.” In August 2004, her poem “Blackberry Heaven” was published in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in 2003, “Colors of Life” captured the essence of Sarah’s uplifting spirit and found a place in the International Library of Poetry.

“Roots of my mountain heritage run deep, and the tendrils of these roots are wrapped
gently around my heart forever.” – Coal Poet Sarah L. Cornett – Hagen

In her poignant poetry collection, “Life Notes by a Kentucky Woman: The Land, The Land, Always the Land (Volume 2),” the author invites her readers into the rich tapestry of her family’s history, deeply rooted in the landscapes of Kentucky and Virginia. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, Cornett-Hagen captures the essence of rural life, weaving together memories of her grandparents, the land they cherished, and the trials they faced. The poem “from Bossy’s teat” serves as a powerful entry point into this world, where the simple act of milking a cow becomes a metaphor for the deeper connections to family, tradition, and the passage of time.

The poem opens with a nostalgic scene in the kitchen, where Grandma strains fresh milk and prepares a warm cobbler, drawing the family together at the table. This imagery evokes a sense of comfort and belonging, contrasting sharply with the chaos that follows when a sudden storm sends the narrator on a harrowing journey through the wilderness. As she navigates the treacherous terrain, battling physical pain and fear, the reader is reminded of the struggles that often accompany the beauty of rural life. The journey through the rye and wheat fields, and the encounter with nature’s obstacles, symbolizes the challenges faced by generations who have worked the land, highlighting the resilience required to endure both physical and emotional storms.

In “Life Notes by a Kentucky Woman,” Cornett-Hagen masterfully intertwines themes of love, loss, and the enduring connection to one’s roots. The imagery of blooming flowers, the sounds of nature, and the memories of family members who have passed away create a rich emotional landscape that resonates with readers. The poet’s reflections on her grandmother’s life, marked by resilience and strength, serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

As she navigates her own identity as her grandmother’s namesake, Cornett-Hagen honors the legacy of her family while grappling with the complexities of grief and remembrance. This collection is not just a tribute to the land but also a celebration of the human spirit, capturing the essence of what it means to belong to a place and a lineage.