Leaving – A Poetry Basket Review

Hello Poetry Lovers

Welcome back to the Poetry Basket Review section.

Recently I had the honour of being asked to review an anthology titled Leaving, published by Bennison Books.

I have to say the intelligence and poignancy of these five poets kept me utterly absorbed. A collection of poetry about dying, grief and the mystery of absence, that will sit with us all. Please note, these poems are far from gloomy. If anything, they will inspire us and give us strength.

So I’m proud to present my review from the Poetry Basket

Leaving

An Anthology of poetry about dying, grief and the mystery of absence

Published by Bennison Books 

This collection presents us with a variation of bereavement and loss, seen through the eyes of five poets. Written from every aspect, there is a wealth of experiences, personal and otherwise from innovative writers. Painful and stirring yet we wouldn’t dream of turning away from these profound pieces. Do not assume this book is daunting reading, there is an edge of optimism and faith while dealing with the pain of separation. 

We start with Cynthia Jobin’s Bereft. A succinct heading that could tempt one to shy away, but we are greeted with the monumentally visual Sunflowers, followed by the powerfully detailed Future Perfect. The title piece Bereft is a real insight into the ultimate grief of the ones left behind, while Real Estate tells us of the mixed emotions of inheritance. A material gain while being robbed of something more valuable.  The Sun Also Sets simply tells us of tenderness and longing.  So many struggling emotions are brought to life. 

The Cruelty of Hours heading, written by Thomas Davis, looks at this painful era from another viewpoint.  Cliches is absorbing, proving these really are the truest words – and the most tragic. A Son’s Eternity captures the true pain of outliving one’s child. 

The compassion and the official in The Moment of Shattering highlights the intrusion and the poignancy of time slowly ticking away. Most readers, myself included, will be moved to recall how brutally that clock ticks, and the poet cleverly balances the practical with emotion. His Mother’s Arms stirs heaving emotions as a parent holds their child while dying.Back in New Mexico is a fitting end to this section, with vivid colour tinged with sadness at reattempting a so-called normal life. The Cruelty of Hours slows down time for us all.  

We’re brought to Not to be Afraid by Ethel Mortenson Davis, an absorbing title that brings comfort. Death jumps out at one with its effective structure, and Messenger follows powerfully. The Bell is simply haunting, while In The Night gives us an insight into sheer longing for a lost one. Deathbed, a word we often use carelessly, brings a focused picture into a barren loss. Very cleverly done and The Healer is brutal and profound. Grief by its very short sharp words speaks volumes.  

We arrive at John Looker’s Circumnavigating a Death and the title poem details a sharp image of a loss with the tangible aftermath of separation, and how we cope – if we really do.  Still Life With Violin is painfully and visually beautiful, and Bulletins from the Sick are voices of the dying. The line ‘and will be in a hospice shortly, new journey begun’ rings loudly.    Winter Closes In highlights the barrenness and surroundings of a very human situation. The Death of Pocahontas, a character from our history romanticised many times, details her demise in an alien culture and the grim surroundings of London in 1617. The reader welcomes a fresh look at this iconic figure.  Old Age Becomes Him gives us a detailed account of fighting back. 

Holding On is the penultimate section by A. Carder, whose title piece details physical pain, while Clarity brings visual and stunning descriptions. Home is looking at the things we love slipping away, and Not Yet is emotional without being mawkish. A personal favourite of this section is Many Rooms, the poet skilfully looks at the familiar with new eyes.  Moments Mori is a parting piece with unforgettable words. 

The late poet Cynthia Jobin concludes with a Night Draws Near chapter. A worthy tribute for a talented poet. North, Early December could be mistaken for being melancholy but we see its tinges of hope, as is To a Tulip with its unravelling of beauty. Among Other Things moves us with a reflection on colour and bareness.   A strong way to end this powerful anthology. 

http://www.bennisonbooks@gmail.com

Do order a copy of this powerful anthology by clicking on the link

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