COLLECTED SHORT POEMS

Solonche’s volume of poetry skillfully captures the quotidian and the profound.

These short works offer striking detail in succinct, evocative verses. One early poem, “Physical,” describes a doctor using a stethoscope as “offering me a box full of / his own collection of breaths, each / one better than mine.” The following poem, “To My Desk” celebrates the titular “hard and stubborn and loyal” piece of furniture, who won’t give up the secrets it holds: “No, not even if they torture you.” The juxtaposition reveals Solonche’s talent for finding beautiful metaphors for clinical experiences, and conjuring humorous, fulsome praise for everyday objects. Many poems are inspired by nature: “Stand Perfectly Still” and “Who Whispered” encapsulate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Rocks, lakes, animals, and storms are also fruitful subjects for Solonche’s keen but reflective style: “My Daughter Wants to Sit in the Shade” and “Private Property” combine levity with subtle commentary on the silliness of human pride and on the social contract. A series of works describing a partner suffering from dementia is particularly moving. Overall, the stylish yet straightforward tone of the pieces makes difficult subjects feel universal. Solonche’s powers of observation and careful shifts between subjects and tones make the collection consistently engrossing. That said, some readers may wish for longer treatments of weightier moral and philosophical subjects. Still, the works’ lucidity and humor make for a widely accessible collection.

Clear, pensive poetry about life, death, and the glories of both nature and furniture.