This posthumous collection of poetry, compiled and edited by Lorna Crozier, showcases Patrick Lane's exploration of existence within the interconnectedness of life. Through vivid imagery of nature—trout in lakes, geese in the wind, and raccoons by rivers—Lane reveals a speaker who perceives both beauty and pain in the world around him. The poems serve as a meditation on the delicate balance between life and death, capturing the essence of a body that holds memories and emotions. With lines that evoke the sounds of nature, such as "the song of the falling water and wild birds," Lane invites readers to embrace the language of quiet and the unfolding of the earth. This collection offers a journey into self-discovery and sensory experience, exploring paradoxes like intimacy versus realism and vulnerability alongside the roughness of youth. Lane's work reflects on the teachings of scars and the sigh of a blade, showcasing his lyrical prowess. With a keen eye and an open heart, he invites readers into a warm, wild space, reminding us of our cyclical connection to nature. The collection resonates with the wisdom of the natural world, urging us to recognize that, like water, we will always return to our origins.
