SAN ANGELO, TX — Dr. Laurence Musgrove, a professor in Angelo State University's Natalie Zan Ryan Department of English and Modern Languages, has published his fourth book, a collection of poems titled "A Stranger's Heart," through Lamar University Literary Press.
"A Stranger's Heart" contains 67 poems written by Musgrove between 2015 and 2022, 40 of which have been previously published in various regional and national journals. It includes the poem, "Fiat Lux," which he wrote for ASU's annual Ram Remembrance ceremony held each year during Homecoming Week since 2015.
Inspired by Buddhist tradition, Musgrove's poems explore finding meaning and beauty in the mundane moments of contemporary life. Subjects include dogs, teaching, and the nature of mortality. What makes these poems particularly special is how relatable and accessible they are to contemporary readers. The book also includes illustrations by Musgrove's daughter, Myra Musgrove, a New York-based artist and illustrator.
Angelo State Professor Dr. Laurence Musgrove
(Credit: Angelo State University)
"A Stranger's Heart" is available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online booksellers. Musgrove's previous books include:
- "The Bluebonnet Sutras" (2019) - Buddhist dialogues in verse
- "One Kind of Recording" (2017) - a volume of aphorisms
- "Local Bird" (2015) - poetry collection
An ASU faculty member since 2009, Musgrove served as chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages from 2009-19 and has been the faculty advisor for ASU's Oasis arts and literary journal since 2016. He has published numerous individual poems, academic articles, short fiction and cartoons in a wide variety of literary journals dating back to 1998. He is also the editor of the Texas Poetry Assignment online poetry journal. Earlier this year, he completed a prestigious Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program in Taiwan.
Also a member of the Texas Association of Creative Writing Teachers and the National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Expanded Perspectives in Learning, Musgrove earned his Ph.D. in English at the University of Oregon.
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