In Praise of Falling

In poems that 'keep us alive by recording / all our details right,' Cheryl Dumesnil passionately and at times irreverently approaches the consequences of desire, knowing that 'sometimes / looking closer lets us love something / more.' Confucius and Karen Carpenter may ghost through these poems, but autistic children and the selfless community of women spark 'the unspoken wondering / if any one of us is safe.' The poems remain celebratory, though, because their eloquent yet unassuming gestures 'raise us / up from the depths, silver, glimmering.' In Praise of Falling is a debut of extraordinary transparency and generosity.

"In Praise of Falling is, indeed, a book of praise, one that celebrates the world's gifts with an awareness of its dangers. In the title poem, Dumesnil finds beauty even in 'that inedible nut, the green globe turning.' Falling, yes, but still aloft—that's where the poet captures these keenly observed narratives."

A beautiful, linguistic celebration of the surprises that come from seeming failures.

Poems that calm and inspire . . . Introspection tempered by humility and gratitude, key qualities of Zen, character 'In Praise of Falling.' This book is well worth reading for its quiet pleasures.