THE ART OF FALLING

This volume of poetry explores themes of parenthood, the natural world, and the pleasures and pains of existence.

Wendell’s spellbinding collection opens with a poem entitled “Portrait Chinois,” in which the author observes a picture of the artist Frida Kahlo: “I study the woman staring back, / wondering why she kept / dark caterpillars inching / over darker eyes.” The piece ponders representations of the female body—with the poet revealing that she cut her hair after injuring herself falling from a horse—and proceeds to celebrate survival. Horse riding is a common theme in this book. The following poem, “Ride,” considers the freedom and naïveté of riding in childhood, with “no inkling of danger.” Similarly, the title poem is about the necessity to relax when falling off a horse and how this applies to life’s other distressing events. Poems such as “Blizzard of Nothing” and “Storm Chaser” bear witness to the awesome power of nature, whereas “Southpaw” and “Kites” are tender examinations of parenthood. The thoughtful collection ends with “Viva la Vida,” a tribute to endurance and a further nod to Kahlo’s art. Readers new to Wendell’s poetry will be struck by her use of distinctive imagery. In “Blizzard of Nothing,” settling snow is “a crazed Einstein, / erasing what came before / to start the lesson over— / a blizzard of wisdoms / traveling at the speed of relative / incomprehensibility.” The author has a refreshingly imaginative gaze. Simple acts, such as kite flying, become effortlessly analogous to the art of parenting: “My daughter, for instance. / The closer, / the easier to manipulate. / The farther out, / more risk and thrill.” Wendell’s poetry resonates with mature, often tough wisdom: “Come off a horse enough times, / and you learn how to fall.” But among life’s agonizing lessons her pieces also locate simple ecstasies, such as stargazing: “I want to sleep to drink / from that dark rift / between stars, / I want to empty / the ladle of light.” Wendell is a dazzlingly inventive and perceptive poet, and it proves a joy to see the world through her eyes.

Strikingly imagistic and contemplative poetry that will live on in memory.