Harry Potter fans will love this volume of poems, and, while I enjoy Harry Potter, and the cleverness of J.K. Rowling's writing, I am far from being a dyed-in-the-wool fan. I don't know all the names, spells, or characters. But I have been a HUGE Christine Lowther fan since the early 1990's, eagerly awaiting each of her successive volumes of poetry.
As I opened the absolutely perfect cover, I knew I would be embarking on an adventure, but had no idea just how much the poems within this volume would resonate with me. Fans will read them with perhaps greater appreciation of the Harry Potter details, but anyone can find much to enjoy, appreciate and empathize with in these poems. The human condition, pain, history, tears, all are there......as is the succor of nature, and the healing and restorative balm of Her beauty.
As we read, we come to understand that the poet, like Harry Potter, (and as have we all,) has risen from her early Circumstance with great courage, to make something of beauty and meaning of her life. Descriptions of the beauty of the West Coast of Vancouver Island are woven through the pages, as are memories and reflections on the poet's very Harry Potter-like childhood, and her emergence and blossoming into a life and art of her own.
The poem "Choices" states this so well:
"Choose to....take this ride.....aim for the sky......all your scars blazing defiance, blasting misery to its dungeon...hold on and let go.....I am hurt, but survive.....Watch me, the wounded walking, the mortally injured dancing, flying in your face."
I have watched this poet's journey, from her first volume of poems written about her mother's death,(New Power), and everything she has written since. I marvel at the journey she has made, and am inspired by her dedication to her art.
If one loves poetry, or if one wants to read more poetry and grow to love it, you can't go wrong reading Half-Blood Poems. There is so much in it to keep you engaged, admiring, and entertained.
