"The content ranges through joyful, light-hearted paeans to Creation, loving tributes to her female mentors, intense calls to action in the face of evil, internal struggles and reflections, and defenses/affirmations of her strong faith in Christ." David Mennicke, A. Mus. D. Professor of Music/Director of Choral Studies/Chapel Cantor, Concordia University, St. Paul

I saw Him in times of loneliness right there beside me, amidst darkness, comforting me with His gentle words—words of truth I read in the Bible, which held me up and sustained me. I know this for sure, not by ignorance but because of a little thing called faith.

Faru K. Gudina has a deep faith in God that was handed down to her from two generations of believers. In a debut collection of poems, she addresses a variety of topics that include nature, social justice, and her unique coming-of-age journey from girlhood to adolescence and beyond. Within her diverse verse, she lyrically explores butterflies and bees, kisses, sparkling and glittery stars, evil spirits, a merciless past, the night Christ was born, better tomorrows, and much more.

I Knew Deep Down is a volume of moving poetry that shares insight into an Ethiopian girl’s coming-of-age journey as she reflects on her life, her faith, and the world around her.