Little Pharma by Laura Kolbe
ISBN-13: 978-0-8229-6672-2
Laura Kolbe's Little Pharma unveils an unflinching exploration of the medical realm, offering readers an intimate and at times visceral look into the complexities of healthcare. In this collection, Laura artfully dissects the intricacies of medical experiences, painting a vivid portrait that oscillates between the sterile confines of the reflective tower and the emotionally charged landscapes of intensive care.
The poems delve into the author's encounters within the medical domain, as exemplified in the reflective tower where linens, long coats, and medical instruments create an environment that transcends the conventional imagery associated with healthcare. Laura’s evocative language penetrates the facade of clinical settings, presenting a raw and authentic portrayal that eschews the expected narratives.
Laura introduces readers to the reflective tower in the poem The Tower, a symbol-laden space that goes beyond the conventional portrayal of medical environments. The vivid imagery of a "box of toys for doctors," a "gavel to dismiss a knee," and a "funnel for ears" sets the tone for an exploration that is both surreal and tangible. The juxtaposition of linens and ampules, along with the haunting image of a wreath "chewing itself softly," creates a disconcerting atmosphere that challenges traditional perceptions.
Garter, Copper, Water showcases poet’s ability to weave together nature, community, and shared experiences, inviting readers to reflect on the profound connections that exist in seemingly ordinary moments. The metaphorical shift from seeing them as "killers" to "grammar" hints at a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between life and death in the natural world. The poem serves as a testament to the intricate dance between humans and the natural world, where life and death coalesce in a continuous cycle of existence.
Garter, Copper, Water
He’s my age, and for once in Wise, Virginia
I believe it: same confused complexion
(baby pimples nose and chin,
around the eyes first fine contrails scratching
vacant sky), same dislike to sit
while others stand.
The poem, Little Pharma delves into the realm of desire, chemical dependency, and the complex emotions associated with the pursuit of happiness. The poet touches on societal concerns, mentioning chemicals for medians and the inflaming of Ohio's battery, hinting at the impact of pharmaceuticals on both the individual and broader communities. The poem ultimately leaves readers with a contemplation of the complexities surrounding happiness, desire, and the chemical pathways individuals navigate in their quest for fulfillment.
Imagining Marriage is likely to evoke varied responses from readers due to its richly layered and metaphorical exploration of relationships. The imagery of a wagon "built of forward-pinned still" might resonate with those readers who have experienced moments of stagnation in their own lives. However, the avoidance of a kiss in the woods introduces an element of hesitation within the context of intimacy.
A rest made of wheels and lamps
as when travel stopped at night.
A pause, a purse under the pillow,
the wagon built of forward—pinned still
as a keepsake moth. If the woods
were a mouth, the kiss
was dodged. But not the panting
of the little dog, the tinsel-haired horses.
Laura's work prompts readers to engage in thoughtful introspection, drawing connections between the external world and the internal realms of emotion and reflection.
- Rochak Agarwal ( Author of Beneath The Words, Cyberwit.net )
Author Bio
Laura Kolbe is a doctor and medical ethicist at New York–Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She studied English and American literature at Harvard and the University of Cambridge. Her work has been anthologized in A World Out of Reach. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner Andrew and their dog Bonnie.