Some Bodies in the Grief Bed
Exploring the Interconnection of Grief and Nature
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Homebound Publications
Published:27th May '21
Should be back in stock very soon
Rick Benjamin's Some Bodies in the Grief Bed intertwines human experiences with the natural world, exploring themes of loss and joy.
In Some Bodies in the Grief Bed, Rick Benjamin explores the intricate relationship between the human experience and the natural world. Through a series of poignant poems, he delves into themes of migration, loss, and the joy intertwined with grief. The collection juxtaposes the delicate journeys of butterflies with the everyday life of a family, challenging the boundaries that often separate the two. Benjamin's keen observations of nature, such as giraffes reaching for the highest leaves, serve as metaphors for our own connections and memories, creating a rich tapestry of life’s fleeting moments.
The title reflects a central theme of the book, where loss is not merely a source of sorrow but also a catalyst for appreciation and joy. Each poem invites readers to consider how grief can coexist with moments of ecstasy, urging us to recognize the beauty in our experiences. Benjamin draws upon the wisdom of Martín, who suggests that grief is an opportunity to honor the people and experiences that have touched our lives, reminding us of the transient nature of love and existence.
Ultimately, Some Bodies in the Grief Bed challenges us to be present and mindful of the world around us. It encourages a deeper understanding of the organic and impermanent nature of our connections, urging us to cherish each moment as we navigate the complexities of life and loss. This collection serves as a gentle reminder to hold onto the beauty of our shared existence, even amidst the inevitability of change.
"'Suppose the cure for death / was simply dying / toward a new life,' writes Rick Benjamin in this collection strung with equal parts elegy and imagination. In Some Bodies in the Grief Bed, Benjamin trains his focus forward and backward, giving names to all that grief makes kin: the violence of borders, memories of childhood, bodies that hurt and haunt and, finally, come apart. But this is a gentle looking. If it’s possible to write with compassion for the words themselves, it’s here, where Benjamin’s signature, clear voice invites us to 'briefly celebrate together' the ties that bind, even—maybe especially—in the wake of their breaking." -Franny Choi
I am very moved by Rick Benjamin's poems— I love his subjects, his style, his whole sensibility. -Naomi Shihab Nye
"Good poets are able to paint a picture or set a scene by using their abilities to observe and record. It is often the poet who tells the story of transcendent beauty, such as that of a butterfly. A better poet is able to also see the pain inside the beauty. However, it is a truly remarkable poet who is able to connect the beauty and pain of a migratory butterfly to the larger human world and give us new insight into both. Throughout Rick Benjamin’s Some Bodies in the Grief Bed, in poem and sparkling poem, he reminds us how human we can still be, and in doing so, he also reminds us how gifted a poet he is." -Le Hinton
ISBN: 9781953340047
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
120 pages