String by Matthew Thorburn
Publication date: March 1, 2023
Cover price: $18.95
ISBN-10: 0807179043
ISBN-13: 978-0807179048
String, the latest poetic masterpiece by Matthew Thorburn, presents readers with compelling and evocative collection of verses that traverse the delicate interplay between transience and lasting impressions. As the title suggests, the narrative threads weave through disparate moments, holding together a patchwork of memories that form the backdrop for a compelling exploration of the human experience. Moreover, each poem unfolds as a brushstroke, contributing to a canvas of emotions, reflections, and the eternal dance between ephemeral moments and lingering shadows.
The opening poem Once, serves as an evocative introduction to the author's exploration of nostalgia and the inexorable passage of time. The imagery of crusty bread, a last half-loaf, and a dance in an empty kitchen sets the stage for a narrative that pivots between the poignant and the sublime.
there was crusty bread
a last half-loaf a rind of cheese
my parents danced in
the empty kitchen they knew
we would never come back
they didn’t know
In poem Her Breath, poet unfolds the poem in a field of summer grass and buttercups, creating a vivid and idyllic setting. The repetition of "one after another after another" suggests a sense of continuity and a timeless moment. Further it creates a tender and intimate snapshot of a moment between the speaker and Rosie. The playful dialogue and the focus on sensory details contribute to a rich and emotionally resonant experience.
We sat once in a field of summer grass and buttercups
one after another after another
Rosie leaned back on her elbows in her yellow dress
her tan legs stretched out before her
her brown dog Roger stretched out beside her
In The Barn, the poet paints a vivid picture of Old Schmidt and his sheep, a scene oscillating between the mundane and the profound. "they were a little family / it’s true it’s time," resonates with the delicate balance of simplicity and tragedy. Get Away Get Away, inspired by Picasso's sculpture, explores the aftermath of a barn fire with visceral emotion. The repetition of "get away get away" echoes the speaker's internal struggle, delving into the inevitable pain of loss. Once Our Garden confronts tragedy through the lens of memory, capturing the stark contrast between innocence and wartime realities. "Father’s raw hands scraping / away at what was once / our garden" unveils a poignant portrayal of heartbreak.
After the Bomb, captures the haunting aftermath of destruction with evocative imagery and a surreal atmosphere. The charred blue armchair and the blown-off chandelier become poignant symbols of the devastation, with the burnt carpet turning white under the falling paper flakes resembling fake snow. The night's first stars twinkle overhead, juxtaposed against the absence of a ceiling and a roof. This creates a stark contrast, underscoring the impact of the bomb and the altered landscape.
Bits of paper swirled behind my eyes
some with treble clefs with quarter
or half notes Uncle Albert penciled
years ago no longer a waltz a serenade
but the hum that follows fell
over his charred blue armchair
Matthew's verses unfurl like whispers of a bygone melody, weaving emotions into vivid imagery, evoking a symphony of the soul."String" is not just a collection of poems; it is a literary mosaic, skillfully pieced together to leave a lasting imprint on the reader's soul.
- Rochak Agarwal
Author Bio
Matthew Thorburn is the author of eight poetry collections, including The Grace of Distance, a finalist for the Paterson Poetry Prize, and the book-length poem Dear Almost, which won the Lascaux Prize. He lives in New Jersey.
www.matthewthorburn.net