In her remarkable craft and her unwavering public courage, Ursula Le Guin has masterfully crafted a truly beautiful and exquisitely vulnerable space for her readers.

Entering her writing is宛如 a precious gift bestowed by a beloved friend. This happens to be the first collection of her poetry that I have had the pleasure of delving into.

Her novels and nonfiction essays have long been cherished by me for their incisive politics and delightfully playful depth.

However, these poems呈现 a different facet, being more firmly rooted in daily life and almost possessing an air of alienation.

Whereas her novels beckon the reader to embark on adventures and forge new paths alongside the characters, this collection of poems feels like being a new acquaintance who is invited to share a cup of coffee with one of her old friends.

The fact that she has such unwavering confidence in making those moments vulnerable is a testament to her power as a writer.

These poems were undoubtedly created for her own satisfaction, yet she so effortlessly exposed them to the world.

This text offers an unusual experience in the realm of poetry and is all the more pleasurable for it.

As an introduction to Le Guin, this was indeed an interesting entry point.

Her poems presented here possess a remarkable quality. They convey a profound sense of identity, as if one can peek into the very essence of who she is. The persons she knows are vividly brought to life within the lines, and the life she has lived and observed unfolds before the reader's eyes.

What makes her poems truly special is their relatability and endearing nature. With absolute honesty and masterful craft, she weaves words together to create a tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with the reader. Whether it's a moment of joy, a pang of sorrow, or a simple observation about the world around us, Le Guin's poems have the power to touch our hearts and make us feel less alone in our own lives.

They are a testament to her talent as a poet and a window into her rich and complex inner world.

I truly have a deep affection for these poems.

They have a certain charm that attracts me and makes me unable to put them down. Each poem seems to tell a unique story or express a profound emotion.

The words are carefully chosen and arranged, creating a beautiful rhythm and melody. When I read these poems, I can feel the poet's passion and creativity.

It's as if I am being transported to a different world, a world full of imagination and inspiration. These poems have become an important part of my life, bringing me joy and comfort in my spare time.

I will continue to explore and appreciate more poems, hoping to discover more wonderful works and gain more spiritual nourishment.

Most of the book is a 3. It has its merits, but it doesn't quite reach the level of excellence. The story may be engaging enough, but it lacks that certain something that would make it truly stand out.

However, the poems about family and friendships in the last part of the book are a game-changer. They add a depth and emotional resonance that elevates the entire work. These poems are beautifully written, capturing the essence of these relationships in a way that is both touching and relatable.

The author's use of language in these poems is masterful, painting vivid pictures and evoking strong emotions. It's as if the reader is invited into the author's world, experiencing the joys and sorrows of family and friendship along with them.

Thanks to these wonderful poems, the book as a whole can be pushed to a 4. They are a shining example of what the author is capable of, and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

In the profound and mysterious deep ogive of the dawn, there is a sense of freshness that seems to hold still. It is as if time itself pauses in this moment, allowing us to be given this first voice. So far away, and yet so early in the dark that heralds the coming of spring. Spring, that wonderful season that will once again bring forth all the beauty of nature. It will be a time of tendrils reaching out, of freshets flowing, of fronds unfolding, and of songs filling the air. Again and still again and still, this cycle of life and rebirth will continue.

\\n  In the deep ogive of the dawn
freshness, to hold still
and so be given this first voice
so far, so early in the dark
that will be spring, that will
again and still be all
tendril, freshet, frond unfolding, song
again and still again and still.\\n

Notes: Rereading Harold Bloom’s introduction to her collected poetry before delving into these works brought a tear to my eye. She is truly a master of the written word, able to capture the essence of life and nature in the most beautiful and profound ways. Her poetry is a testament to her talent and her deep connection with the world around her.

3.5 stars.

This rating indicates a level of satisfaction that is above average but not quite excellent. It suggests that the product or service being evaluated has several positive aspects, yet there are still some areas that could be improved.

A 3.5-star rating might mean that the overall quality is good, with a few minor flaws or shortcomings. It could also imply that the experience was enjoyable, but not without some room for enhancement.

When seeing a 3.5-star rating, consumers can expect a decent level of performance and value. However, they should also be aware that there may be other options available that could offer a higher level of satisfaction.

Overall, a 3.5-star rating is a respectable score that indicates a product or service has merit, but it also leaves room for growth and improvement.

Gorgeous, spare, searing poems of memory, loss, and perfect moments. These poems are truly a work of art. They have the power to touch the hearts of those who read them. You might have to be in your sixties to really appreciate the depth and beauty of these poems, but they spoke to me deeply. The words seem to dance on the page, creating vivid images and emotions. Each poem is like a precious gem, shining with its own unique light. Whether it's the memory of a loved one, the pain of loss, or the joy of a perfect moment, these poems capture it all with precision and grace. I highly recommend these poems to anyone who loves poetry or is looking for a way to connect with their emotions.

Here are a few of my favorites from this remarkable collection.

First, there is "For Gabriela Mistral," which seems to capture the essence and spirit of the great poet.

"Hexagram 49" presents an intriguing and mysterious exploration.

"A Traveler at a Lake in New England" paints a vivid and peaceful picture of a moment in time.

"Entanglements" delves into the complex web of emotions and relationships.

"Repulse Monkey" has a unique charm and a touch of the unexpected.

And finally, "College" offers a reflection on the experiences and growth that come with that particular stage of life. Each of these pieces in the collection has its own distinctiveness and allure, making them truly stand out and become favorites for me.

Wow.

She's truly an outstanding poet. I had no specific expectations when I started reading this.

I guess I didn't give it much thought, other than the fact that I adored her books and her persona, and simply assumed her poems would be engaging.

But she is a genuine poet through and through.

And these poems truly do what poems are meant to do.

She took me to various places, all with the same elegance and thoughtfulness (and so much more) as her prose.

Now, I'm determined to seek out more of her poems.

I can't wait to explore the depth and beauty that lies within her other poetic works.

Her words have left such an impression on me that I'm eager to discover what else she has to offer in the world of poetry.

It's like opening a new door to a world of emotions and ideas that I never knew existed.

I'm excited to embark on this new literary journey and see where her poems will take me next.

Some poems were truly remarkable, while others failed to make an impression.

Undoubtedly, the outstanding ones far exceeded those that didn't capture my interest.

A few poems deserve special mention.

"Rodmell" by an unknown author holds a certain charm.

"For Gabriela Mistral" pays tribute to the renowned poetess.

"Four Morning Poems" offers a series of beautiful vignettes.

"Flight 1067 to LA" takes the reader on a journey.

"Appropriation" explores an interesting concept.

"October 11, 1941" sets a specific time and place.

"Phebe and Mimi" tells a story of two individuals.

"The Great Aunt"刻画了一位令人难忘的长辈形象.

"The Fight" depicts a conflict.

"First" may refer to a first experience.

"The Hershey Bar" perhaps has a sweet connection.

"Jean" could be a person the poet is writing about.

"College" brings to mind the experiences and memories of that time.

"Religious Connections" delves into the realm of faith.

"At Oakley" creates a sense of place.

Overall, this collection of poems offers a diverse range of themes and styles.

Poetry is an art form that is often difficult to judge objectively.

Everyone has their own personal tastes and preferences when it comes to poetry, and what one person may love, another may not understand or appreciate.

In the case of this particular poem, it simply didn't click for me.

There was nothing in it that really stood out and grabbed my attention.

Perhaps it was the language, the imagery, or the overall structure that didn't resonate with me.

While I respect the effort and creativity that went into writing the poem, it just wasn't to my liking.

On the other hand, I much prefer the author's prose.

Her writing style in prose is more engaging, and her stories and ideas come across more clearly.

It's interesting how an author can excel in one form of writing and not so much in another.

Overall, while this poem may not have been for me, I'm still curious to see what else the author has to offer in both poetry and prose.

I read this book at the perfect time, accompanied by excellent works. I had just completed my favorite (alongside The Dispossessed) of Le Guin's novels, Tehanu. My mind was ready to listen to her voice.

I was reading a book of short stories along with this poetry collection. Clarice Lispector, another powerful female writer, had a book of vignettes about childhood, while this one was a collection of poetry about old age. Additionally, I read a terrible adaptation of ancient Taoist texts that was forcefully turned into bad English poetry. Given that Le Guin is a student of the Tao, a feminist, and an anarchist, her excellent poetry served as a good remedy.

These poems are effortless. They seem to float on the page. Each one is interpretive and reads as if it simply flowed out of this language master like water. Poems about aging, legacy, a life of accomplished writing, small observations of daily living, and memories from all stages of life fit together beautifully like a quilt. They are sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes sweet, though more often the former. Le Guin's voice is more personal and immediate than in any other form in which I have read her.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially to be read in Winter or Autumn, with a phone nearby so you can call your mom and tell her you love her.

☠

Trade Paperback

Shambhala, 1999

Four Stars

January 14 - 18, 2018

☠