“Each poem in this radiantly plainspoken collection offers subtle and penetrating observations that swell to a rich tapestry of ordinary life, behind from a stance of grace and buoyancy.”
Joy Street
By Laura Foley
Laura Foley’s recent poetry collection offers a wide variety of poems that address serious issues like death and gender identity, but equally share space with the small moments that make up our days. It is those poems in particular that really spoke to me while reading this collection.
For example, in this excerpt from “Near Miss” she explores the feelings of anxiety and despair that can so easily overwhelm you, feelings that become almost a physical reality.
“I wake up with a knife
between my ribs
near my heart.
Upright, I’m fine,
feed the dogs,
let them out, and in.
Back in bed,
the jab returns at 5 a.m.”
There are poems that are flirty and seductive such as “Springtime in the Grocery Store.” I dare you to read that one and not smile and think about it the next time you are in the fruit aisle at your grocery store.
Most of the collection has short poems which for some of you who may not read poetry often or are wanting to start reading more would be the perfect way to dip into it. I found that I read the collection rather quickly but I’ve gone back several times to focus on the poems I’ve really enjoyed, like “Gelato”, which of course how can you not like a poem with that name right?
A few of my other favorite poems include a lovely poem in memory of the poet Grace Paley titled, “Grace” and “Midpoint” and “Concord” which capture a wonderful picture of relationships, of getting along and simply being together.
I hope I’ve piqued your interest in this collection and that you’ll check it out. You can also read more about Laura Foley by visiting her website and you’ll see she also has a link to some of her online poems.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for inviting me to participate in this tour. Oh and don’t forget to visit TLC to see the schedule for this book tour so you can read some other reviews of this collection.
Source: TLC Book Tours
Iliana, I’m so glad that you enjoyed this collection of poems. I think you’re right in that it would be a good starting point for people that don’t read poems often or are looking to start reading poetry. Great review, and thanks for being on the tour.
I tend to stay with my old favorites, both poems and poets, but you have piqued my interest in this collection!
Sounds like a lovely collection. I will be sure to visit here website for more poetry samples 🙂
I’m pleased to see that you enjoyed this unique little collection of poems. Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Glad you enjoyed the collection, too! The grocery store poem was one of my favorites.
I really liked the grocery store poem too. Reminded me of my husband and I. LOL