undoubtedly my favorite book of poetry, though having read so little it probably means a little less than it could. though reading this, i hardly expect to find a complete work that will resonate with me as much as this. it’s calm and striking; her way of phrasing things perfectly and the sudden moments of stark understanding and images of sky and melancholy make this something to return to again and again.
A Seasonal DwellingThe thinking soul is conducting an experiment. The method
of investigation: as soon as you have felt something,throw it away.
She has discarded several
large cities. There are porches
she refuses to return to.Rivers and dresses
already seen-through.Rows of almond trees.
Bridges.She has never seen the Southern Plains.
Has never dived for memories into a swimming hole
or an ocean. Tomorrow night she hopes
to be lifted once again by painfully clear sky.To be disappointed once again by aurora borealis.
i hope she does. i know at least that she takes her writing very serious; a few years ago i read an interview with her where she said she didn’t even keep houseplants because nurturing things distracted her from writing. i heard she had a baby and thought i’d never see another book from her. but she has new one out recently. i’ve been wanting to check it out but haven’t seen it in a store yet.
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Olena Kalytiak Davis is one of my biggest influences as a poet. Her mind is a whirlygig of fun with a few darker tones thrown in. Her poems are beautiful, particularly in this book, “And Her Soul Out of Nothing”. I am lucky enough to be at the university that published this book. I hope she realizes what a jewel she is.