The Law of Conservation

This poetry collection intricately explores landscapes, identity, and the delicate balance between transformation and conservation in personal truths.

The Law of Conservation is a poetry collection that deeply engages with the concept of landscape, both in its physical form and metaphorical implications. The poems navigate through the blurred lines where urban environments yield to rural expanses, reflecting on how our bodies can be seen as shifting terrains on an equally unstable map. This exploration also delves into the complexities of sexuality and the rich, often painful layers of memory. As the speaker embarks on journeys to new countries and establishes roots in adulthood, themes of desire, loneliness, and love emerge prominently throughout the verses.

In examining gender and sexual identity, Spada’s work masterfully highlights the intricate ties between transformation and conservation. The poems invite readers to honor and protect their most profound truths while simultaneously addressing the external changes—whether in the speaker's environment or recollections—that challenge the maintenance of a steadfast identity. This duality of experience creates a poignant tension that resonates with anyone who has grappled with the fluidity of self in the face of shifting landscapes.

Ultimately, the Law of Conservation serves as a meditation on the interplay between personal evolution and the desire for stability. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflections, the collection offers a compelling narrative that encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys of transformation and the landscapes they inhabit.