A Review of Cold Fire, a book of selected poetry by Donna Allard.

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Good poetry, with an economy of carefully selected words arranged to best convey the message, has the power to move us beyond mere written expression; it possesses the ability to awaken our senses and to stir our hearts and minds. Within this framework, the poet Donna Allard, authentically, sincerely and boldly speaks to the gamut of her life’s experiences. No holds barred!

 

Her thoughtfully presented themes are moving and sometimes profoundly challenging, providing the reader with an experience that can be surprisingly poignant and enriching. And justly so, as Allard’s considerable poetic acumen has recently been honoured internationally with the title of Beat Poet Laureate, Canada.

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Cold Fire, the aptly chosen title of this selection of poetry, speaks to the broad range of human emotions. The full polarity of life’s ups and downs are addressed head-on, courageously. Poetically, Allard’s words portray, sing and dance her passion for life, her relationships with those near, those off in distant lands, and those who have passed. Her life’s tapestry almost always incorporates a number of nature’s creatures, its rhythmic cycles, all unfolding within the haunting presence of place. Place is important to Allard; it is where we send down roots and hers are deeply coastal, enough so as to breathe the salty air through her verse. Place in Allard’s world sets the scene for the unfolding of all the busyness of life and living.

 

Below are some treasured lines gleaned from a few poems:

 

i will address all seasons in turn

and summer the memories

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and all i can do is run

trying to catch the wind

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i gather leaves

we once said we would pick

to complete the album

of your life

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I behold the constant depth

of heart and soul pounding

a well-weathered drum

 

And do allow yourself to be first drawn in by the striking book cover photo of a lone crimson red leaf dangling delicately from an ice-covered branch (a Jinn Bug photograph), an undeniable Cold Fire image. Then turn back the cover and venture inside so the journey can begin. This is a book to be savoured and enjoyed, over and over again. Cold Fire holds its place on my bookshelf.

 

Review by Maggie McLaughlin

Author, A Healing Gift, Cognitive Energy Healing