Both Feet on the Land: Four Seasons of Connections and Reflections at Creekside Edge

Books that blend poetry with photography typically feature either good poetry or good photography, but rarely both. "Both Feet On The Land" is an amazing exception. Narayan's poetry is world-class, reflecting the consciousness of a man who has spent decades becoming acutely intimate with his surroundings as well as mastering the craft of the word. His his mastery of the structure and meter of poetry makes for polished compositions, and his subtlety and sense of humor lull the reader while the seriousness and devastating insights of his subject matter take you by surprise. His black-and-white photography reminds me of the artistic genius of Ansel Adams. But unlike Adams, Narayan's photography is more intimate and more real. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry, photography, and/or reflections on nature.

In "Both Feet on the Land" the poet/photographer/philosopher has pulled off a real challenge: to create an integrated book, cover to cover. Tautly crafted and expressive poetry demonstrate mindfulness and wit; apt photographs express their own beauty and enhance the poems. The reader is brought to personal relationship with Woman-as-World in her many guises and disguises.This is a literal "coming out" story! We see that the poet has transformed his life (or been catapulted by forces beyond his control!)from indoor "civilized" introspection and contemplation to an outdoor direct interaction with animals, plants, trees, stream, cottage, rocks, flood, and the sometimes treacherous weather of each season on a creek in the foothills of northern California.The poet has created explosive yet sharply hewn poetry unlike any I have ever encountered. Images leap out, capturing the imagination and bringing the senses alive. We find ourselves right there, in the midst of the activities, struck with sudden insight into truths always readily at hand, could we but give full attention to what is right here. Great humor-at different moments dry, or outright hilarious-noticing the intimate instants within and without.Every black and white two-page layout of the book is complete in itself, photo and poem acting upon each other, much as Japanese haiku and watercolors are often paired.Very unusual features of the book are the introduction, "Starting on the Same Page," a poetic essay about the whys and whens of this work. Then at the end, "Terms and Notes" where we meet cultural antecedents and indicators. Finally, "Gifts Received," honoring the poet's background, life choices, and ancestors."Both Feet on the Land" is a gift-quality book of great artistry, substance, and insight that certainly captivated me-and I'm rarely captivated!Roxanne Bartlett