This fine first collection of poetry from Bertha Wise delivers intensity and versatility. She is fearless in exposing her deepest pain, healing her way through it by sharing memories of childhood and the support of family. Her powers of observation delight as she takes us into the natural world that sustained her, the blue of a robin's egg coloring the sky, the softness of dandelion fluff blowing in a breeze, the sweet smell of autumn. But Bertha knows the flip side of nature and we are there when tornadoes threaten, when loss is inevitable, when Time is unkind. She invites us to travel with her to Wales, to Budapest, to experiences that refresh, revitalize, and warm the heart. First Truth is a journey of hope not to be missed. ~Peggy Seely, poet and author