Richard
Merelman has aptly named this collection The
Imaginary Baritone (Fireweed Press 2012) as every piece exhibits low
undertones of what it means to live. This collection of 32 poems is an insight
to the mind, and the poems fit nicely together like puzzle pieces tell a larger
story. This collection gives us a collage of people and places,
whether actual events or fictional stories. There is commentary on a mother and
father’s place in a family or a member’s place in the religious community and
how they all fit into the world around them. It reminds me that no matter how small
I feel sometimes, the world is not as large a place as it feels.
A
poem published in Common Ground Review (Spring/Summer
2012), “Lizavetna Petrovna,” offers a perspective on historical truth, as well
as on the human experience during times of war. Although language is a barrier
in this piece, the author is still able to fully communicate the experience he’s
had with the audience. The poem provides a reminder that we are all connected
in some way and some concepts - sadness, grief, longing - are universally
understood. Through Merelman’s writing, I feel as if I was there in that museum
carefully watching Lizavetna Petrovna recount these memories: I don’t even know
what she looks like, and I still want to cry for her.
My
two favorites (because I can never choose) are “Walking the Labyrinth” and “Her
Portrait.” The structure of “Walking the Labyrinth” jumps off the page because
of the zig-zag form it follows; for example, the line “pause at the center” is placed where the poem changes directions;
not only is this an interpretation of the poem but a literal interpretation of
the structure. “Her Portrait” is short but poignant. It all happens so quickly, the reader must be
sure to pay careful attention or it will be over before you realize anything
has even begun. A young boy and his father share a moment, not entirely
understood by the young boy, by throwing a portrait of the mother into a river;
however, the reason for this action is not explicit, it is left to the reader
to interpret and decide. I think I love this piece so much because I can’t
imagine why they would do such a thing and I’m left feeling curious. Overall,
the whole book is fantastic and it makes me think a lot about how people fit
into not only their own lives but in other people’s lives as well.
--Review by Cassandra Deal
This piece is the first in a new venture. Common Ground Review is interested in reviewing books by its contributors. If you are a contributor with a book, and you would like it reviewed on the blog, please let us know.
