“Solonche’s volume of poetry skillfully captures the quotidian and the profound. These short works offer striking detail in succinct, evocative verses. One early poem, “Physical,” describes a doctor using a stethoscope as “offering me a box full of / his own collection of breaths, each / one better than mine.” The following poem, “To My Desk” celebrates the titular “hard and stubborn and loyal” piece of furniture, who won’t give up the secrets it holds: “No, not even if they torture you.” The juxtaposition reveals Solonche’s talent for finding beautiful metaphors for clinical experiences, and conjuring humorous, fulsome praise for everyday objects. Many poems are inspired by nature: “Stand Perfectly Still” and “Who Whispered” encapsulate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Rocks, lakes, animals, and storms are also fruitful subjects for Solonche’s keen but reflective style: “My Daughter Wants to Sit in the Shade” and “Private Property” combine levity with subtle commentary on the silliness of human pride and on the social contract. A series of works describing a partner suffering from dementia is particularly moving. Overall, the stylish yet straightforward tone of the pieces makes difficult subjects feel universal. Solonche’s powers of observation and careful shifts between subjects and tones make the collection consistently engrossing. That said, some readers may wish for longer treatments of weightier moral and philosophical subjects. Still, the works’ lucidity and humor make for a widely accessible collection.”
What a great idea, Katie, to offer us a celebration of the short poem! I certainly share with you your struggles in writing short poems. In fact, it seems the longer I write, the longer I write.
Everyone interested in the short poem must have this book --
https://www.shantiarts.co/uploads/files/stu/SOLONCHE_COLLECTED.html#gsc.tab=0
Looks terrific!
It is.
“Solonche’s volume of poetry skillfully captures the quotidian and the profound. These short works offer striking detail in succinct, evocative verses. One early poem, “Physical,” describes a doctor using a stethoscope as “offering me a box full of / his own collection of breaths, each / one better than mine.” The following poem, “To My Desk” celebrates the titular “hard and stubborn and loyal” piece of furniture, who won’t give up the secrets it holds: “No, not even if they torture you.” The juxtaposition reveals Solonche’s talent for finding beautiful metaphors for clinical experiences, and conjuring humorous, fulsome praise for everyday objects. Many poems are inspired by nature: “Stand Perfectly Still” and “Who Whispered” encapsulate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Rocks, lakes, animals, and storms are also fruitful subjects for Solonche’s keen but reflective style: “My Daughter Wants to Sit in the Shade” and “Private Property” combine levity with subtle commentary on the silliness of human pride and on the social contract. A series of works describing a partner suffering from dementia is particularly moving. Overall, the stylish yet straightforward tone of the pieces makes difficult subjects feel universal. Solonche’s powers of observation and careful shifts between subjects and tones make the collection consistently engrossing. That said, some readers may wish for longer treatments of weightier moral and philosophical subjects. Still, the works’ lucidity and humor make for a widely accessible collection.”
---Kirkus Reviews
One of my favorite short poems:
The Coming of Light, by Mark Strand
Even this late it happens:
the coming of love, the coming of light.
You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves,
stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows,
sending up warm bouquets of air.
Even this late the bones of the body shine
and tomorrow’s dust flares into breath.
Oh, yes—a gorgeous one!
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/28891/separation-56d21285b2140
Yes, Scott, I love that one too!
Separation, H.R. Merwin
Sorry —W.S. Merwin
What a great idea, Katie, to offer us a celebration of the short poem! I certainly share with you your struggles in writing short poems. In fact, it seems the longer I write, the longer I write.
I have always felt the same. When writing a short poem I become even more critical because every word has more purpose.
Love the short poems. Liked the discussion of birds and bird names as well. I can imagine Americans cackling.
😁🤣
Evelyn Ann Romano Writing a short poem can sometimes jump-start an aspiring poet to continue
writing poetry. A short poem of mine won 3rd place in a local poetry contest and it gave me the courage to continue writing. This was 20 years ago.
You write beautiful short poems! Your images & metaphors are so original that they do a LOT in a small space.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I’ve always loved “with Annie gone”, by Leonard cohen
https://danielle340228.substack.com/p/nostalgia-a-soft-place-to-visit-not?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=7w6ssx