What We Carry

Once again, I was drawn to a book of poetry by the title. It didn't hurt that Ms. Laux has a blurb on back from the fabulous Adrienne Rich. I usually read the title poem first to gauge if I like the poetry. The first line of "What We Carry" is as follows: "He tells me his mother carries his father's ashes on the front seat in a cardboard box, exactly where she placed them after the funeral." You just cannot stop reading after that and each and every one of the 37 poems in this little treasure are just as intriguing. The book is divided into three sections: 1) What We Carry, 2) Small Gods and 3) As It Is. The poems in the third section are seductive and sensual. Did I mention that I read the book in less than an hour? I don't often read entire books of poetry, but this one was that good. I came across this succinct jewel in McKay's Used Books in Chattanooga, Tennessee today. I visit here about once a year (my daughter and her family live here) and never fail to find fabulous poetry. I swoop down on the poetry section like a hungry vulture on roadkill and have my fill. Today I came away with 14 or so books of poetry and change from my $50 bill. If you're ever in Chattanooga or Nashville, look up McKay's. They're the Wal-Mart of Used Books.

"What We Carry" established Dorianne Laux as my favorite contemporary American poet. Her work is bold, spare and literally breathtaking. Her voice is so real, it is daunting. I can see the light pouring from beneath the door, feel the dust on the mantle, and breath in the odor of the rooms she describes. The volume is always near my bedside, and I give it, sparingly, to only the most special of my friends. Treat yourself to this unique experience.

What is beautiful about Dorianne Laux's poetry is that she disguises her metaphors, similes and other poetical devices behind language with which anyone can connect. She is not a simple poet; rather, her poems can be appreciated on many levels, by both average readers and other writers. Dorianne does what few do successfully: she takes the everyday and shows us why we can't forget it.

what else can you say about ms. laux's poetry? she speaks the unspeakable, the things that most poets would never write about,the things that most women poets would never write about. they are very power , very sensual and will leave an indeliable mark on your consciousness....

What We Carry includes poems of survival, affirmation and celebration. Sculptured, fluid and generous, these poems reveal a poet informed by experience and caring. In poem after poem we find the hard facts of life that need to be sung. Laux finishes her poem "Dust" -- sometimes/ God comes to your window,/ all bright light and black wings,/ and you're just too tired to open it." He does and we are