Day 9: Oar by Moya Cannon

My copy is inscribed "To Carol, with best wishes"--but this is not one of the 800 books I was gifted. I was "assigned." "suggested" to read this for class a few weeks ago. There are vast ties to the land described and that is something in my personal writing I want to go.

In Oar, the land becomes a character. The reader is invited to see the speakers perspective--how the land is loved, how they interact with land. The hills and valleys are all artfully portrayed--usually through action--a stray sheep--or a bush that really is a tree as one gets closer. Vastness is a theme.

I did not always read in order. I'm not sure order is necessary for this narrative. Land changes by the second and by eons depending on perspective.

"Oar," the title poem is by far my favorite. I can only assume that is because I feel it is most connected to the reader--very close direct address with directions. I also like folk wisdom. And this eases that itch in me.

Walk inland and inland

with your oar,

until someone asks you what it is.

Then build your house.

The poem goes on, but I just can't keep that from echoing. There is so much said about place and belonging--leaving everything behind...haunting.