Poetry Readers Challenge discussion

(Note: this book is a “pamphlet” if you’re in England like Matt Howard or a chapbook if you’re from the U.S.)

Howard’s poems are deliciously dark and eerie, a bit gothic, a bit grim fairytale. I often say I prefer accessible poetry, but Howard’s poems make me rephrase that. I really mean I want poems to grab me, to move or excite me, to transport me. He accomplishes all that and then some, even though I wasn’t always clear on where he was leading me. His attention to detail and visceral anatomical description may be disturbing to the squeamish, but mesmerizing to the those fond of forensics and poetry. I was particularly captivated by his series on The House of Owls, but find it hard to pull out a single strand to quote. Each line seems to need the next.

In The Organ Box, Howard addresses several cadavers or taxidermied remains with tenderness and unflinching detail. In “Acquired deformities: Constriction of female thorax,” he begins

Preserved the way you were wanted,
wasp-waisted, deformed from years of corsetry,
cartilage and ribs drawn oblique
like tight lace.

and wraps up with

That I could hold you now, ease this organ box,
free each reed, feel you breathe.

Another nice review, Alarie. Out of curiosity, does this poet come from a medical background, or where does his knowledge of and interest in forensics come from, I wonder?

Jenna wrote: "Another nice review, Alarie. Out of curiosity, does this poet come from a medical background, or where does his knowledge of and interest in forensics come from, I wonder?"

I'm curious about that, too. He obviously has a passion for nature and hang outs in labs with biological specimens, but whether pastime or profession I can't tell from his bio in the pamphlet. (I'm fascinated by forensics and medicine, but have only a layman's knowledge.)

Jenna wrote: "Another nice review, Alarie. Out of curiosity, does this poet come from a medical background, or where does his knowledge of and interest in forensics come from, I wonder?"

Jenna, my husband just translated the acronym for me. Howard works for the Royal Society for the Preservation of Birds.

A fascinating review, Alarie. I love your reassessment of what is "accessible" to you.

Jen wrote: "A fascinating review, Alarie. I love your reassessment of what is "accessible" to you."

Thanks, Jen. I do love some poems that leave me scratching my head,
but I must have an emotional reaction of some sort.