Counterpoint

Poetry. These poems illuminate both the beauty of living in the world, as well as the constant presence of grief and death as we go about our daily activities. As in Jean Hollander's previous collections, these poems evoke memories of the past, or scenes and events so palpably presented, "they become alive." This book celebrates our search for understanding as we go through life seeking love and pleasure, but encounter the loss of love, the death of a father, an ended trail. But this book also brings us a Lazarus returned to life, his mortality briefly overcome, or a long ago moment's joy relived in the beginning of a new love, making us aware of the pleasure it is to feel and be alive, despite all sadness and grief.