Daunting terrain, abundant wildlife, natural history, and the human response to all of it are at the heart of this series of poems. Ghost and Oar offers a loose narrative structure, beginning with the speaker’s arrival at the island, her subsequent exploration of the island, and, finally, a closure of sorts and departure from the island. These poems, written during an artist’s residency at Isle Royale National Park (a remote island in Lake Superior), present to readers, especially those who may not know Boruch, a glimpse of her superb craft: close observation, clear and precise language, and a profound ability to chart the depths. Marianne Boruch’s Ghost and Oar is best likened to a jewel box it’s small and beautiful-a handset, limited edition chapbook, only twelve pages long-and it contains gems. Ghost and Oar by Marianne Boruch ( Red Dragonfly Press, 2007) The chapbook-relatively inexpensive and cunningly portable-makes it easy to discover new poets-or poets who are new to you-and to sample and indulge. Two of these titles are published by the very busy Finishing Line Press of Georgetown, Kentucky the third by Bateau Press, sponsor of the BOOM chapbook contest and the fourth from Red Dragonfly Press, a self-described “micro-press” located in Northfield, Minnesota. Each is a gifted observer, discovering and delivering rich imagery in service of her chosen material.
If anything links these chapbooks, it is craft each poet pays close attention to language and its music. The work is accomplished, whether authored by a well-established poet or a relative newcomer, and each of these slender volumes holds many poems worth reading-and rereading. To traverse extraordinary imaginary landscapes, revisit the Blitz, and sift a singular American wilderness for its magic and surprise, get your hands on the chapbooks reviewed here. Work by Marianne Boruch, Leigh Anne Couch, Allison Titus, and Lesley Wheeler
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