 |
They cut those leathers off;"
This vibrant and intelligent collection of poems tells the story of the poet's experience with nearly losing her significant other to the tragedy of a motorcycle accident. And yet, the author of these seventeen tender poems has made an excellent literary choice by not precisely spelling out the sequence of events as they happened. Rather, these are more like thought-pieces—some reflecting on loss and bodily harm, others on non-motorcycle memories shared between the two companions. Others focus on nature, both fauna and flora.
"I haven't mentioned the paint," writes Maun, in the poem entitled 'Tinted.' "Incongruous, a shade of pastel blue-green / you might tint a baby's crib / or baseboards. You were making a delivery. / A gallon of paint in the saddlebag. It was warm, / so why not the motorcycle …" Maun then goes on to describe the busted can of blue, "over every curve of chrome, / bright on the polished leather, coating / the brass buckle. Coloring the wreck."
The author's book is a quiet yet powerful expression of grief in a world where unforeseen circumstances may forever sever life and limb just beyond the curve in the road. It should be noted that Maun's poetry collection is a Finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award, and for good reason. It is a haunting and gorgeous meditation on such interconnected concerns as vision, vision impaired, and the "dope-thrill" of dangerous adventure. Maun has created a thoughtful, compassionate book of poems reflecting on "the accident" and more. Her words, her stanzas, and each included poem take on a broad and effective tone and purpose.
A 2020 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist