In the Limelight Jane Etzel

In the Limelight
Jane Etzel
Cloudkeeper Press
$7.00 2008
ISBN 978-0-615-25931-4

The poems in this chapbook require a gentle read, perhaps even a slow recognition of their simplicity of form and content which is reminiscent of haiku. these poems present the reader with glimpses into people’s lives. they are snapshots or still life poems:

“the old lady
with her prim
and oh so
still upper lip,
flings her heavy
and clumsy
being off -
now naked
and wild
and young

each poem belies a secret, envy. the envy of other’s lives even when the other life is broken down, or on the ‘wrong path.’ the poems draw their own conclusions about the choices made, the stance taken, the subject matter and the sitter pose as the artist insists and often the poet herself is being drawn. she is able to present others as herself. like Mary Oliver’s poem, “wild Geese”, Etzel’s poem, “our love will unfold” evokes the same message of redemption, in fact, even the rhythm is the same:

“tell me your hopes. let’s talk of our dreams.
please hold my hand on the way. with grateful,
humble, and giving back in our hearts,
our love will unfold as it may.”

Irene Koronas
Poetry Editor
Ibbetson Street Press