Coloratura On A Silence Found In Many Expressive Systems: Poems

by Alice Fulton

A vibrant, kaleidoscopic improvisation on the broken body and questing spirit, from "one of the wisest and most insightful poets in the country" (Ron Charles, Washington Post Book Club ). "I was living in a high-maintenance loneliness," Alice Fulton writes of a devastating accident, and her poems express both reverence and impatience as they search for a brightness palpable as the dark. The result is a brilliant coloratura on the senses. Fulton evokes phantom aromas of vanished perfumes, flowers fragrant only at night, and the ozone scent of snow; marvels at velvet paintings and chimerical colors outside the spectrum; and riffs on a mixtape of ambient applause, clinking glasses, spectral voices on the radio, and the whispers of a mother to her children. Coloratura On A Silence Found In Many Expressive Systems extends these tactile mysteries to existential questions of invisible miracles, connection, and faith in the face of "By praying you, I create you," the poet informs an elusive God. Reveling in the stunning possibilities of language, Fulton seeks joy to counteract trauma and grief, empathizes with the silent pathos of animals, and finds solace in art, friendship, and the mysterious power of gifts. Without denying suffering, this enthralling volume extends a fervent prayer for gratitude and healing.

Genres: Poetry

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

For a photo gallery, the story behind the stories, and a reading group guide for The Nightingales of Troy, please visit alicefulton.com

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book astonished me. Twice (my first read, and my second read through.)

[Carol Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Alice...
love,love,love