By Hayden Saunier
Terrapin Books 2024
Here’s an honest answer to why it’s taken me so long to write this review: this book of poems is a quiet collection of truly interesting, layered, thoughtful, gorgeous, work that kept demanding a better approach than each of the seven efforts I threw away. And I owe Ms. Saunier an apology for the delay.
Each of the four sections of this collection has larger poems and small. Some seem to be a little bit light weight. But they aren’t. And the longer poems might seem a little bit repetitious – as the poet admits in her poems “Wheel 1” and “Wheel 4.” But again, assuming that repetition is a bad thing might be an error. As this poet says, “Design may be obsession’s other name” and this book is beautifully designed.
The rhythmic flow of this collection is an absorbing experience. And the carefully conceived poems also have a particularly engaging combination of sound and image. The subject matter is completely relatable – nature, being human, life span comparisons, love, hope, growth. A poem about an eye exam called “The Wisdom Package” gives growing old a humorous twist. A poem called “Self Portrait as Three Cubic Feet of Compost” brings a new way of human remains disposal to an existential examination of the afterlife – in clear and understandable language.
The author loads so much into every poem – surprising phrasing, subtle and effective near rhymes, quiet humor, captivating word pictures – that it is important to take the time for a close reading to every page. A poem called “some nights I step through different doors” weaves a rhythmic, quick moving journey through time and space without becoming surreal. A small poem titled “Proverb” - only five brief couplets - is a feast of near rhymes and wisdom. “Song for A Suburban Mid-Life Crisis” with tightly packed lines and the phrase “a panoply/ of poisons scented” is another small set of couplets with a strong sense of enlightened self-awareness.
Ms. Saunier has produced a truly fine assemblage of poetry that will reward the reader with a better understanding of the best, worst, and in-betweens of life. And in gaining that understanding the reader will also find delight in the sounds, the skillful use of language, and the understated poeticism on every page. I recommend this one to anyone who loves quality poetry.
jim bourey is an old poet who lives on the edge of the Adirondacks. His books include Out There and Back Again and The Distance Between Us, both from Cold River Press. He also co-wrote Season of Harvest with poet Linda Blaskey, published by Pond Road Press. He is organizer of the DAC reading series in Malone, NY. His work has appeared in many journals and anthologies. He can often be found reading aloud in dimly lit rooms. jim lives in Dickinson Center, NY with his wife Linda.
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