Was machst du, wenn dir ein Gespenst begegnet? 1) Du servierst ihm ein paar seiner Lieblingssnacks wie Matschtörtchen und Ohrenwachstrüffel. 2) Du erzählst ihm Gutenachtgeschichten. (Gespenster lieben es, wenn man ihnen vorliest!) 3) Du sorgst dafür, dass keiner es mit Schlagsahne oder einem Marshmallow verwechselt, wenn du mal nicht guckst. So gewinnst du einen Freund, der dir in diesem (und im nächsten) Leben liebevoll zur Seite steht.
What happens when poetry, "rises off the cracked surface of grief?" Rebecca Watkins explores both the grief and what rises in her newest collection, SOMETIMES, IN THESE PLACES. Through her thematic exploration of drug addiction, poverty, reticent religion, loneliness, and family, there is, throughout this collection, a frank dialogue that deftly puts us in the dirt, without letting us get grimy. The smooth motion and gentle imagery feels both deeply personal and wildly relatable, tackling dark concepts with sophistication and grace. If feels as though Watkins wants to let us into her house, watch with her all the dark news stories of the day, and then let us leave without solving any of the world's problems. She doesn't tell us it's all going to be alright, or that there's hope in the world, she doesn't have a moral to the story. Rather, she looks at us square in the eye and says, "this is the way things are." Or, in her own words, "I see no footprints in the sand but my own."
Exploring themes of loss, love, and acceptance, this collection of poems offers a poignant reflection on the courage needed to heal from the past. Through vivid imagery and clear language, the work addresses both personal experiences and broader societal issues, including school shootings, police brutality, and the pandemic. The poems range from tender longing to stark realism, serving as a guide for readers willing to confront their own emotional landscapes.
Returning to Sweetbriar, Georgia, after eighteen years, Vidalia Lawson confronts her past filled with rumors and regrets. Struggling with a failed singing career and a challenging life in Los Angeles, she finds solace in her mute son, her only source of joy. Amid her grandmother's 100th birthday celebration, Vidalia grapples with her desire to escape and her fascination with a mysterious man who creates art and music in a barn loft. This journey of self-discovery and redemption promises captivating twists that keep readers engaged.