The thing called “life” holds many dimensions. So does Canadian poet Evelyn Bernard's first collection, Life According to Evelyn Bernard (2002, Prince Edward Island, 124 pages).
“Life's like a spinning top, around and around, but it never stops,” said Bernard who lives in a tiny town named Tignish. “There are smooth days and rocky ones.”
Most creative people aren't brazen enough to name a book after themselves. But Bernard's title appears suitable because her poems delve into life, its highlights, hazards, frustrations and quiet moments, in a deeply personal way. “Life should have challenge, a bit of uniqueness, love of many friends and family, and very importantly, peace,” she said.
The poems have a pleasing simplicity, yet many resonate with meaning. They cover every conceivable topic linked to daily routines, from cookies to cats, children at play to human mortality, holidays to a hostile ocean and sandy beaches to bubble gum.
Smell of
Fresh-brewed coffee.
Toast buttered with care,
Eggs frying gently,
Crackling bacon,
Hash browns
Cooked golden brown,
Table set for breakfast….
Much time to prepare,
Only took a fraction
To enjoy.
Now left with
Another chore.
From “Breakfast”, page 6
This poet shows the essential knack to make a few words mean much. A poem titled “Gossip” ends this way: “Little story today, a mile long tomorrow.”
Vivid images appear. The Atlantic Ocean has a “vicious puckered face” that reflects its willingness to “beat a jagged shoreline endlessly”. And an everyday match, the fire-starter, “can be a hot friend or a blazing conclusion”.
A few life-and-death struggles unfold.
Ted Bee went next door
Gong about,
Doing his thing
When John Bee flew by….
He stung Ted.
Ted began to weep on a rose.
“Stop, you're drowning me,”
Red Rose yelled.
He didn't hear.
Yellow Rose
Reached out and
Swatted Ted.
He's now lying helplessly
On the ground.
A foot walks on by.
From “The Bee Battle”, page 45
Poetry emerges even from tedious tasks, like dumping rubbish.
The cans roll and tumble
While bottles
Jump over one another.
Plastics flop cheering everyone on.
Cardboard forms
A tunnel for juice packs
To slide through.
From “The Garbage Parade”, page 48
Love, loneliness, battles of the sexes and hi-tech all play a part.
My computer is
Similar to a man.
In time it will learn
Its boundaries.
From “Evelyn's Computer”, page 117
Naturally, some poems make a stronger impression than others. The best ones demand reading again. Things of beauty often need repeat looks.
Sweet smell, fresh-cut grass,
Barbecuing next door,
Music soft and sweet,
Good book and movie,
Feel love in the air.
Thank God for
Life's simple things.
From “The Simple Things”, page 113
Bernard hits the mark with surprising consistency.
Seconds to minutes,
Minutes to hours,
Hours to days,
What you got,
Tomorrow may be it….
Love everything each day.
We're all on a cruise.
Sail your ship
Till your anchor drops.
From “Don't Waste”, page 17
Readers fully engaged in the experience of life, as Bernard is, should enjoy this impressive poetry book.
Approval rating: 81 per cent.
(January 10, 2008)
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