 |
Finally, I can see for myself truth
My thoughts are straining to see not of him"
The spectrum of characteristics humanity possesses is depicted through the construct of flowers in a poetry compilation that is stirring with energy from the first poem to the final one. Bursting with resplendent imagery, each selection is infused with meaning that may address one of a myriad of themes but still culminates with love.
In the earlier poems, darkness is illuminated with scintillating imagery, but perhaps none as forceful as the speaker stating that, when death arrives, they “wish for the worms to eat my decay.” From agony and chaos to rage and corruption, Weber depicts darkness in its many forms. At the same time, she juxtaposes this fury with inner peace, using the metaphor of the weeds overtaking the flower field. Interestingly, Weber’s deep connection with nature is repeatedly apparent as she uses personification to simultaneously bring life to the flowers and present them with the traditional human archetypes. For instance, the dahlia is portrayed as the embodiment of dignity and pride, while “Heart of an Iris” delves into the courage of the iris to thrive in love and pain.
More than anything else, the flowers show emotion, a quality humanity tends to overlook. Whether it’s empathy, love, grief, or any other feeling, these poems do just that: make the reader feel. Some readers may feel the finiteness and fleeting nature of life. For others, it may be the same intertwined feeling as the honeysuckles and wisteria. To top it off, the poet puts her original paintings on display in the final section, capturing the essence of the words with the splendor of rich color and the vibrancy of the images. Overall, Weber’s strong command of figurative language and the sheer energy in each poem make for an enjoyable read.