From what I can tell, this book is out of print, the publishing company Northern Focus has gone defunct, it's missing from rare book sites, and there wasn't even an ISBN in the first place. Minor stink when it happened, easily forgotten.
What's really amusing is the page that reads, "A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to C.U.S.O. for third world projects." I'm sure they appreciated the 3 bucks.
And holy crow is it bad. I've already recanted my statement that I like new poetry better than the old poetry. What's more annoying is new stuff that tries to sound old. This book was published in 1992. Why then should Trotter use words as archaic as "o'er"? Because she needs a one syllable word for sake of the rhythm, that's why. It's forced. Just like she bends grammar to fit a rhyme scheme.
When Grandma, her place from the rocking chair would vacate,Argghh! I hate when poets do that. The rhyme isn't so bloody vital, is it?
It would then be occupied by Grandpa, a tall, bent form, who would
relate
Then there's the verbal diarrhea.
Her malevolence agitates the tranquil lake,Loving words is one thing, mating with them is quite another.
As it undulates into a turbulent swell,
Her unabated fury leaves destruction in its wake
Then there's the overly sentimental drivel which makes me want to slam my face into a harp.
Memories, pearls of reminiscence, stored in the labyrinth of the mind,But in hindsight, it was good for a few laughs.
Like priceless treasures, the fleeting gems of yesteryear, long since left behind,
Released from captivity by the mystic fragrance of a rose
9 comments:
Wow, even I can see how bad that is! But I do love the reviewing a fart at the bus stop comment! Brilliant.
Barbara, Even you? Don't sell yourself short- I love your reviews!
Agreed, fine opening sentence.
But I lost my thoughts at reading your label and the mention of Joanna Newsom...grrr!
Allison, I didn't pass judgement on Newsom one way or the other, did I? Can't tell from the "grr" how you feel about her.
I have never been able to make o'er sound like one syllable in my head, no matter how hard I try. OH. ER.
omg! I'm going to be laughing over your review all day!
Dewey, Maybe I'm wrong but I think that's was the intent, that "o'er" used to be one syllable. But then I'm far from a word expert so maybe I'm mistaken. To say it with one syllable, say "or" but keep your mouth wide- like you have a toothpick separating the top and bottom halves of your mouth. Or maybe as a valleygirl might say it. I don't know. I'm second guessing myself.
Stefanie, Then again, I was a tad harsh though.
Sorry about the deleted comment, I was laughing so hard at your review I could barely type! Thanks for making me giggle :)
GR, Deleted comment? What deleted comment? (No problem)
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