JOURNEY

Skoby presents a set of poems and short stories that reflect on nature and more metaphysical concerns.

It would not be too far off base to call this work a collection of odes. Although its poems lack discernible metrical or rhythmic structure—even those gathered under the heading “Rhythmic Poetry” are connected more by rhyme scheme than cadence—they are brought together by their consistent admiration for nature’s wonders. Several poems spiral into abstraction: the exalted realm of souls, emotions such as fear and dread, or vexed attempts at connection. But more frequent are works dedicated to subjects such as dragonflies and bamboo, candles, and mountains. “Snowfelt,” for instance, is full of feeling for the landscape, “H2O” marvels at the substance of its title, and “Together” admires the moon in declarative tones, asserting “it keeps a climate reasonably stable.” The short stories, too, recount transportive encounters with deer, fish, and birds of all varieties. Yet, despite the works’ clearly defined subjects, readers may find concrete images difficult to locate; however, when they do emerge, as in “Serenity,” they’re welcome: “The first rays of sun extend, / bathing the damp forest floor.” There’s a lack of coherence at times, which may be due to the fact that much of the verse, as well as the prose, is made up of strings of gerunds (“drifting, grasping and connecting”; “lingering, staring into surprised eyes”). Although this tactic keeps the reader fully in the present moment, it doesn’t allow for descriptions of clear action. The text is also hindered by unconventional spelling and grammar (“programed”; “moment’s dissolve”), which proves distracting. Still, the collection’s aims are ambitious as it consistently attempts to move from everyday experience into grand truths. One poem, “The Butter Churn,” offers perhaps the best description of this project: “persistently perceiving, / a pathway to any thought.”

This collection expresses genuine appreciation for the natural world, but it’s marred by insufficient clarity.