Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems by Jane Hirshfield: A Poetic Exploration of Loss, Transformation, and the Enduring Power of Beauty

Late Wonders: New & Selected Poems

by George Kalogeris

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	659 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	296 pages
Paperback	:	72 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.17 x 9 inches

FREE

Jane Hirshfield's Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems is a magnificent and deeply moving collection of poetry that explores the profound themes of loss, transformation, and the enduring power of beauty. Hirshfield's exquisite language and evocative imagery create a rich and resonant tapestry that invites readers to contemplate the complexities of life and the human experience.

With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition, Hirshfield delves into the transformative power of loss and grief. Her poems explore the ways in which loss can both shatter and strengthen us, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation of our own mortality and the preciousness of life.

Hirshfield's poetry is also a celebration of the natural world, finding beauty and solace in the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. She invites us to pay attention to the small wonders that surround us, from the delicate petals of a flower to the vast expanse of a starry night.

In Late Wonders, Hirshfield explores the concept of "late wonders," those unexpected gifts that come to us in the later stages of life. These wonders can take many forms, from a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life to a deeper understanding of our own purpose and place in the world.

Throughout the collection, Hirshfield's poems are infused with a sense of wonder, gratitude, and acceptance. She encourages us to embrace the beauty of life in all its forms, including its losses and imperfections. Late Wonders is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to illuminate the human experience.

A Deeper Dive into the Collection

Late Wonders is divided into four sections: "Early Light," "Late Wonders," "The World's Body," and "The Fire's Design." Each section explores different aspects of Hirshfield's poetic vision, from the transformative power of loss to the interconnectedness of all living things.

In "Early Light," Hirshfield explores the themes of loss and grief. The poems in this section are often deeply personal and intimate, exploring the pain of losing loved ones and the ways in which grief can both devastate and heal us. In "Elegy with Drowned Bees," Hirshfield writes:

"I could not save them. I who love bees,Uncountable, close-pressing body to bodyAs blossoms. I have watched their small bodiesIn the cold water, the way they liftedTheir wings as though they could fly up."

In "Late Wonders," Hirshfield turns her attention to the unexpected gifts that can come to us in the later stages of life. The poems in this section celebrate the beauty of aging and the wisdom that comes with experience. In "Poem with a View of the Sound," Hirshfield writes:

"There is no use for a map.I have come to a placewhere the world pours itselfout. How to remembermy special needs?"

In "The World's Body," Hirshfield explores the interconnectedness of all living things. The poems in this section celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the ways in which we are all part of a larger web of life. In "From the Root," Hirshfield writes:

"We are made of the tree's body—Not from some tall oak,But from the nearest scrub pine,Its needles sharp, its rootsTraveling sideways,UndergroundFor miles."

In "The Fire's Design," Hirshfield explores the transformative power of fire. The poems in this section examine the ways in which fire can both destroy and create, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of our own mortality and the beauty of the impermanent. In "Wild Form," Hirshfield writes:

"In fire, the feralBurns off, leavingWhat can bear:The vine's charred shapeStill beautifulAgainst the air."

Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems by Jane Hirshfield is a profound and moving collection of poetry that explores the complexities of life and the human experience. Hirshfield's exquisite language and evocative imagery create a rich and resonant tapestry that invites readers to contemplate the themes of loss, transformation, and the enduring power of beauty. Late Wonders is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to illuminate the most essential aspects of our humanity.

Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats from all major bookstores. For more information, visit Jane Hirshfield's website at http://www.janehirshfield.com.

Late Wonders: New & Selected Poems

by George Kalogeris

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	659 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	296 pages
Paperback	:	72 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.17 x 9 inches

FREE