The Poetry of Elizabeth Hansen Elizabeth Hanson 2011

The Poetry of Elizabeth Hansen

Elizabeth Hanson 2011

“long spears of ice

like bats unfurl themselves

in rows under the overhang

and sharply they sing and fall

into the embankment of snow

as a single wind calls to them...”

Hanson's poems in this self published chapbook will surprise

and embrace the reader. The core of what the poet is writing

is not as simple as it sounds. Her poetry reflects her relationships

and her surroundings. She places the words with careful touch.

Their core is a place like plums, pomegranates, and familiar flavors.

Similar to the differences in verse, the fruit remains itself. The

placed words the reader tastes and identifies. Hanson writes

about the core, the juice, the renewal relationships bring,

not too sweet or tart. We come to identify each poem as our own.

She is not to be missed or set aside:

“each morning

they gather, at the same coffeeshop

they discuss

world events the economy;

I'm always

getting my latte

my muffin,

there is a lot to say

about routine

about life

being predictable.

And if occasionally

your husband slaps you,

not because there is another woman

not because he wants to leave

(though these could always be

considered side issues)

nor because of what

you have done

but what life has

made him

and because deep down its

easier to blame

someone else-

than shouldering the blame

and maybe 'playing by the book'

'being a man' – is a killer

is life

is death

and respect

the lack of it

kills love

better than

a beating”

The poems collect our everyday routines and presents the ways only

a poet like Hanson can portray:

“...the woman

one day

simply

piled

her collection

in front

of the wall

and was never

seen again...”

Readers will be sustained by these poems, they will become the morning

fruits we eat.

Irene Koronas

Reviewer: Ibbetson Street Press

Poetry Editor: Wilderness House Literary Review