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gabbygarcia's review
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
This book is such a gift. This is the fourth collection by Limón that I've read, and I'm so glad I had the chance to pick it up. I treasure her words always; it's really wonderful to see too where she began as a published writer and see how her style has changed. I could see her style most clearly in "The Different Ways of Going", "The Way Things Have Been Going Lately", and "13285 Arnold Drive", which were three of my favorites--and absolutely spectacular-- 13285 Arnold Drive, in particular... I want to quote it here but I can't pick a single section, I'd have to quote the entire poem. Also loved section 3 of "A Little Distantly, As One Should", (the whole thing but especially when she writes,
But now, the guests have arrived! (They were
21 minutes late.) The vest is lighting
the barbecue and one woman is pregnant
and in overalls. The whole thing is so domestic
and soft you can almost wear it.
The self-awareness of the whole section 3 reminds me a little of her poem in Bright Dead Things, "I Remember the Carrots" (which is possibly the most perfect poem I've ever read).
There were definitely some filler poems, and it did take a few poems for me to feel settled in the collection. But in so many ways I feel I am better for having read this; so many poems touched me, moved me, made me laugh, and reminded me of little moments in my own life. I will be coming back to these poems for a long time, I know it.
But now, the guests have arrived! (They were
21 minutes late.) The vest is lighting
the barbecue and one woman is pregnant
and in overalls. The whole thing is so domestic
and soft you can almost wear it.
The self-awareness of the whole section 3 reminds me a little of her poem in Bright Dead Things, "I Remember the Carrots" (which is possibly the most perfect poem I've ever read).
There were definitely some filler poems, and it did take a few poems for me to feel settled in the collection. But in so many ways I feel I am better for having read this; so many poems touched me, moved me, made me laugh, and reminded me of little moments in my own life. I will be coming back to these poems for a long time, I know it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Medical content, Child death, and Terminal illness
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