To the
Stars Through Difficulties: A Kansas Renga in 150 Voices, edited by Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg. A "renga" is a collaborative poem based on the Japanese haiku
form, often about nature. In To the Stars Through Difficulties: A Kansas Renga in
150 Voices, poets in the chain take readers across the mythological as well as
physical landscape of Kansas. Each poet begins with the seed of an idea from
the poem before, writes, and leads the way for the next poet, all the way to
the end. The group includes all poets laureate of the state, professional
writers, and newcomers. Poets blend traditional and experimental approaches.
The result is a unique chorale of beauty and surprise. The book follows the
model of a similar United State poets laureate collection, Crossing State
Lines, but with focus on one shared region. The writers celebrate startling
beauty of the grasslands and its brilliant skies, including dimensions of
reverie as well as plein air descriptions. The poets follow images and questions
threading through the unfolding form of the renga, creating together one
winding poem, a river of words on what place can and does mean. ISBN
978-0-9837995-9-7. Cover art by Lara Jost. 164 pages. Order through Pay Pal:Order through Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Get it at the Raven Bookstore in Lawrence soon!
