Description
Among the "things remaining" in Mary Dederer's debut poetry collection are memories, reveries, and dreams – as in the opening poem is which a bird dreams in a tree that is also dreaming, each of them in this way creating worlds. Which is what these poems do, dreaming worlds into being. In another poem she recalls her discover that a 3rd grade classmate's life was "so different from what I'd ever imagined." That early acquired wisdom serves her well here, as she bridges lives, showing us her world, while inviting us to experience our own more mindfully. Her title poem relates another bit of wisdom gained upon the death of her father, of coming to "rest with the world / on the new terms death / and grief had made." There is sorrow and tragedy in that world, yes, but also beauty, hope, and even joy. The seeming simplicity of these poems is deceptive, even sly. They will remain with you long after reading.
Poetry. California Interest.
Author Bio
Mary Dederer was born in St. Louis and at thirteen moved to Stockton, California, where she went to high school. After attending Stanford, she never left the Bay Area, teaching at the old Mountain View High School, at Los Altos High School, and at the new Mountain View High School. In 1986, she began teaching writing at San Jose State and worked with California Poets in the Schools. In 2003, she retired from teaching and worked part-time in a used bookstore and as a rater of online essay tests. In 2004, she was invited to join a poetry group and has been enjoying their company and their poetry ever since. This is her first book.
Author City: MENLO PARK, CA USA