This collection showcases the diverse and groundbreaking poetry of a prominent American poet known for pushing the boundaries of the art form. It features a range of themes and styles, reflecting the poet's unique voice and innovative techniques that have influenced contemporary literature. Readers can expect a rich exploration of language and emotion, making this anthology a significant contribution to American poetry.
Exploring the profound experiences of life, the poet delves into themes such as alcoholism, womanhood, and motherhood. The narrative weaves through the struggles of depression, the complexities of marriage, and the therapeutic journey of psychotherapy. With a focus on the interplay between personal challenges and the creative process, the work reflects on the transformative power of poetry amidst life's cyclical nature of death and rebirth.
Drawing on the Tibetan word bardo, "intermediate state," Valentine explores love and loss in the dreamlike liminal space of memory.