Emily Reed is a medical physicist who in the past several years has taken up writing poetry. A long-time Chicago resident, she is currently living overseas.

Under the Fig Tree is her first collection of poetry. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from love to humor to world events. Em's previous publications include articles in various medical physics journals, which aren't nearly as entertaining as the poems in the book. She continues to write poetry and is currently collecting material for a second book.

When Em isn't writing or working (which, unfortunately, isn't very much of the time), she enjoys reading, running marathons, scuba diving and juggling.

You can read more of her work at www.emilyreed.com.

Under the Fig Tree

You are

A glimmer of sunlight in overcast skies
A vision of beauty to disheartened eyes
A haven in which I can shed all disguise
Immutable truth in the midst of the lies.

A wellspring of strength burning steady and bright
The dawn that announces an end to the night
A refuge I seek from the heat of the fight
The answer to every equation I write.

An island of calm in the turbulent flow
Enveloping warmth when the icy winds blow
A shelter from harm when defenses are low
The love that sustains me wherever I go.