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Beneath your poet’s robe,
the clink of armor against your
thighs, pressing into your flesh."
As exceptional poetry compilations often do, Candland’s work masterfully transports readers away from the day-to-day hustle of their daily lives, acting as a means of replenishing the reader’s life with color and vibrance. Whether it’s an ode to life’s finer moments, admiring the beauty of nature, or taking a trip down memory lane, the compilation is incredibly comprehensive.
From the onset, “Snow in Summer” delivers the calming effect of nature, while “When You Woo Me” is a play between the tenderness of intimacy and the dreaded return of the morning city sounds, indicating the mundane, routine life is ready for another day. While the command of language is self-evident, Candland’s ability to weave in references that span the course of literature, mythology, and even scripture is exhilarating, including but not limited to David vs. Goliath, Mark Twain, and the renowned mythology of Persephone.
Candland’s fearless writing style can be enjoyed in “Homer’s Girl,” where her direct musings with Homer delve into his creation of the ferocious warrior, Achilles, and the juxtaposition with the story of Paris’ kidnapping Helen of Troy and spearheading the Trojan War. Where Candland displays unparalleled depth and thought-provoking commentary, there is also a profound simplicity and joy in other poems that reflect on playing bingo or simply relaxing in a hammock while enjoying the afternoon sun. At the same time, “Insomnia’s Voice” is intriguing as a testament to how metaphors should be depicted, hitting close to home for all readers. Above all else, Candland’s poetry is an enriching experience, taking a series of blank pages and bringing them to life with color and rich details while maintaining a knack for naturally evoking emotion in her readers.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review