An engaging book of poetry. The images are straight from the heart and the country. Edith has a feeling for the Earth and, in this book, aging. There is human, sadness, and insight. The poet's husband, a retired writer and professor is also a subject for insights and I can see John as she writes - The thing is, the old guy in the familiar chair
Harumphing over the news
Is a couple of inches shorter now.
(The gravities of living
Beat us all down.)
And I can see myself and other men as we shrink over time and still grasp for our place in the world. There are national and local events that invade the peace of their rural landscape and we all benefit from the sharp wit and insights that Edith shares.
"Onto the pedestal that supports Big Ole.
Twenty-six feet of Viking Warrior, executed
In bright, weather resistant plastic.
Big Ole gazes out watchfully over the quiet streets
Of this modest Midwestern city,
Spear at the ready."
from the Horsebone Sofa.
Humor invades the day to day choices and frustrations like this portion of the poem - At The END - that describes the endless battle between humans and some of natures relentless players like ants.
Hunkered like regulars leaning on a bar,They circle their drop of golden death, and guzzle
Their bellies full, then take it home to the hill.
They are sociable and industrious. They share
What I have poured from my skull-and-Cross-boned-bottle,
Till all have tasted, Then they come no more.
And of course every poem has layers of meaning beyond the obvious. Discover this poet!
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