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in the dark. All I can see is the back of his coat... pulling the ropes, dragging the sled."
Words are like a time capsule, the holder of memories. This is never more apparent than in SKMorris' poetry compilation, an awe-inspiring ode to her father that demonstrates how simple moments can define a bond. The power of presence—her father's presence—is on full display with each passing poem, an undeniable reminder that, through a child's prism, a parent is their entire world, and their invaluable, undivided attention is paramount. With inspiration derived from her father's last notebook, SKMorris peels back the curtain on a bond rooted in trust, vulnerability, devotion, guidance, and a purity of love.
In this work, the narrative and the author's command of poetry are equally masterful and evocative. From the outset, poems like "The Blizzard" set the tone for the unconditional trust of the father-daughter relationship. The visceral imagery of the speaker being carried to the trolley stop in the snowy darkness is telling. Interestingly, each poem seems to take on a life of its own, revealing intriguing tidbits about her father, Dave Kaplan, and even carrying over his own words, like in "The Whistler."
Whether it was Kaplan's headstrong nature or his unyielding adherence to principle, SKMorris effectively paints a picture of a man who fully embraced his own persona. Memorably, in "For the Defense," audiences experience the dichotomy of Kaplan's penchant for fairness. On one hand, when a movie theater attendant alleges that his daughter is lying about her age, he goes to great lengths to bring a copy of the author's birth certificate to refute the claims. Conversely, when the author acts on a dare and shoplifts a ring from a local jewelry store, her father not only makes her return it but also makes her pay for it anyway. In both situations, there is a very Danny Tanner-esque vibe, full of life lessons and endearing warmth between a father and child.
The epitome of prose and narrative poetry, SKMorris' anthology excels with pacing, mixing poetry with timely letters for Kaplan that imbue the work with an incredibly personalized feel. Perhaps the moment that really strikes a chord with audiences is "The Last Scorecard," a poem that captures the sweetness of nostalgia while representing the fickle nature of life. This poem juxtaposes Game Three of the '77 Dodgers-Yankees World Series with the last two months of Kaplan's life; it is a beautiful reminder that life's transience compels the individual to seize every moment and make it one's own.
From the lens of a child, the author's father is a giant of a man who models how life should be lived. With grace and an undoubtedly fond remembrance, SKMorris takes readers into the depths of what makes up her father, which is only bolstered by her ability to deliver a balanced diet of narrative poetry, couplets, experimental poetry, etc. In fact, the author's knack for controlling the flow is impeccable, especially in poems like "Every Family Needs a Hurricane Plan," where the employment of a list format rekindles memories of tenuous times. Above all else, SKMorris wears her emotions on her sleeve, delivering an exceptionally raw and authentic work that warms the heart.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review