Ondaatje's meditative speakers engage in deep reflection on various aspects such as the family, artifacts, and light. Their thoughts are presented in a series of poems that offer a candid and intimate look into the human psyche. The collection of introspective verse is a powerful exploration of the self and the world around us. Each poem seems to be a window into the speaker's soul, revealing their joys, sorrows, and moments of epiphany. The use of vivid imagery and sensory details brings the poems to life, allowing the reader to experience the emotions and thoughts of the speakers. Through his unique style and voice, Ondaatje has created a collection of poems that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The earliest work presented here is often shrouded in mystery and is truly captivating.

The shorter poems frequently possess the greatest power. One of my absolute favorites is "Biography", which is about a dog. It contains vivid and striking imagery, along with a palpable sense of longing. "Application for a Driving License", which is even shorter, is also visually captivating and has a potent impact.

Ondaatje has a painterly eye and a remarkable way with imagery. He makes references to Rousseau and Chagall, among others, who just so happen to be two of my personal favorites. Additionally, he has a dry and dark sense of humor that I particularly enjoy.

Much of his work revolves around the theme of family, drawing the reader in without being overly sentimental. His love poems are erotic and intense, brutally honest and stripped down to the bare minimum of words while still appealing to a universal audience. This is an extremely difficult feat.

I especially liked "Postcard from Picadilly Street", "White Room", "Spider Blues", "Country Night", "Buying the Dog", "Sweet Like a Crow", and "Light". As I delved deeper into the book, I found myself liking the poems more and more. I'm not sure if this was due to adjusting to and learning his style and voice, or if it indicates a maturation process, considering the book covers a 15-year period. It's probably a combination of both.

This collection is well worth reading.

I have a deep affection for Ondaatje, and within this compilation of his early poetry, there are certain moments that vividly foreshadow what is to come.

The book is divided into three distinct sections, which meticulously trace the evolution of the voice that would later reach full bloom in works such as The Collected Works of Billy the Kid and Coming Through Slaughter.

Several of the poems within this collection truly resonate with me. "Billboards" presents a unique perspective, perhaps on the impact of advertising in our lives. "Spider Blues" might evoke a sense of mystery and the unknown, much like a spider weaving its web. "The gate in his head" could be a profound exploration of the inner psyche. "Country Night" likely描绘s the宁静 and beauty of a rural setting under the cover of darkness. And "Light" might symbolize hope, illumination, or a new beginning.

These poems offer a tantalizing glimpse into Ondaatje's creative genius and the journey that would lead to his more renowned works.

Love, the real and profound kind, has the power to terrify the dreamer right down to the very core of his being. It can send shivers through his soul and make him question everything he thought he knew.

Michael Ondaatje is truly a master of words. His ability to craft such evocative and thought-provoking lines is remarkable. However, while his poetry is beautiful and engaging, I find that I have a greater affinity for his prose.

In his prose, Ondaatje is able to paint vivid pictures and tell stories that draw the reader in and keep them captivated from beginning to end. His use of language is so rich and detailed that it feels as if you are actually there, experiencing the events and emotions along with the characters.

Whether it's through his poetry or his prose, Ondaatje has a unique talent for expressing the human experience in a way that is both powerful and moving.

Tiny narratives, those not quite compressed or distilled, lurch and mist into story.

They usually follow the same form and mode: stanzas divided at the phrase, with occasional word-drifts. And there's a poem with stanzas that starts with commas.

Often, the subject matter is domestic, yet not domesticated. He can write about dogs, moons, and wives without making the reader feel as if they're drinking dishwater.

These are sutured and grafted worlds, unconcerned with posing, evenness, form, length, depth, or avoiding repetition.

I'm especially fondest of the middle section, Rat Jelly. It has a certain charm and allure that draws me in and makes me want to explore it further.

The way the words are arranged and the ideas are presented in this section are truly unique and captivating.

It's as if a whole new world is being opened up, one that I can get lost in and discover new and interesting things.

The author's use of language and imagery in Rat Jelly is masterful, and it makes this section stand out among the others.

I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us in this collection of tiny narratives.

In many ways, better than his fiction.

His non-fiction works often offer a unique perspective that is both engaging and enlightening.

Unlike his fictional stories, which may be based on imagination and creativity, his non-fiction pieces are grounded in real-life experiences and facts.

This gives them a sense of authenticity and credibility that can be truly captivating.

Moreover, his non-fiction writing style is often more straightforward and accessible, making it easier for readers to understand and connect with the ideas he presents.

Whether it's a memoir, an essay, or a work of journalism, his non-fiction works have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain.

They offer a window into his mind and his view of the world, and can leave a lasting impression on the reader.

In conclusion, while his fiction may be well-known and highly regarded, his non-fiction works are in many ways even better, and deserve to be recognized and appreciated for their own unique value.

I've been eager to read this for quite some time, and I wasn't let down.

Some of the poems, I'll admit, left me scratching my head. I felt a bit dumb for not being able to understand them right away.

However, a great number of them were truly beautiful and filled with profound meaning.

Among all of them, my favorite was probably "War Machine".

This poem seemed to capture the essence of something larger than life.

It made me think about the complex and often disturbing nature of war.

The words in it painted a vivid picture in my mind.

I could almost see the machinery of war in action, the chaos and destruction it brings.

Despite the heavy subject matter, there was a certain beauty in the way the poet described it.

It was a beauty that was both captivating and a little bit terrifying.

Overall, reading this collection of poems was a rewarding experience.

It made me appreciate the power of words and the ability of poetry to touch our hearts and minds.

I firmly believe that his poetry is of even greater merit than his fiction.

His poetry has a unique charm that captivates the reader from the very first line. It is filled with vivid imagery, profound emotions, and a masterful use of language.

The words seem to dance on the page, creating a symphony of sound and meaning.

In contrast, while his fiction may be engaging and well-written, it lacks the raw power and immediacy of his poetry.

His poetry has the ability to touch the soul and leave a lasting impression, long after the last word has been read.

It is a true art form, one that he has mastered with great skill and dedication.

Overall, I would highly recommend his poetry to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable literary experience.

Poems.

They come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide variety of styles and themes.

Some poems are truly remarkable, captivating the reader with their beauty, elegance, and profound insights.

They have the power to touch our hearts, stir our emotions, and make us see the world in a different light.

However, not all poems are to my taste.

Some may seem too晦涩难懂 or too simplistic for my liking.

But that's the beauty of poetry - everyone has their own preferences and interpretations.

Despite my personal opinions, I still appreciate the art form of poetry and the creativity and talent that goes into writing it.

It is a unique and powerful way of expressing oneself and sharing one's thoughts and feelings with the world.

Whether a poem is good or not to my taste, it still has the potential to make an impact and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I vividly remember the moment when I first read this collection decades ago. From the very first page, I was completely captivated and fell in love with it.

The title of this collection is truly remarkable and holds a certain allure that makes it almost irresistible. It's like a mysterious and enchanting phrase, such as "The last berries my late uncle tried to eat."

This title immediately piques the reader's curiosity and draws them in, making them eager to explore the stories within.

As I delved deeper into the collection, I discovered a world of unique and engaging tales that left a lasting impression on me. Each story was crafted with great care and attention to detail, taking me on a journey through different emotions and experiences.

Even after all these years, the memory of this collection still lingers in my mind, and I often find myself reflecting on the wonderful stories I read. It is truly a treasure that I will always cherish.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves to read and is looking for something that will transport them to another world.

"Sweet Like Crow" came into being, and I stayed, ready to be sliced by the beating rhythms.

For those who wear multiple skins and, over time, choose to shed those very same skins.

Just like the works of Dionne Brand, I have a strong preference for Ondaatje's poetry rather than his prose. In verse, both of them manage to account for displacement and inventory by inbetweening frames.

The steady pace, the fragmented thoughts, and the honest sin all come together in a unique and captivating way.

Ondaatje's poetry has a certain charm that draws me in and makes me want to explore its depths further.

It's as if each line holds a hidden secret, waiting to be discovered.

The use of inbetweening frames adds an element of mystery and complexity to the work, making it all the more engaging.

Whether it's the description of a place, a person, or an emotion, Ondaatje's poetry has the power to transport me to another world.

I find myself getting lost in the words, and before I know it, I've been sliced by the beating rhythms and carried away on a journey of the mind.

It scarred me - in a good way.

This experience left a mark on me that I will never forget. At first, I was scared and unsure of what to do. But as time went on, I realized that this scar was a symbol of my growth and strength.

It taught me to face my fears and to not let them hold me back. It made me more resilient and able to handle whatever life throws my way.

Now, whenever I look at this scar, I am reminded of all that I have overcome and how far I have come. It gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I am grateful for this scar, as it has made me the person I am today. It has shown me that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for something good to come out of it.

So, instead of hiding my scar, I wear it with pride. It is a part of my story and I wouldn't have it any other way.