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| PREFACE TO DR MARY CASOLIN'S NEW WORK KINLDY WRITTEN BY DR CAROLE FORD |
Preface: Saffron Sunsets
Dr Mary Casolin
A word is dead when it is said, some say.
I say it just begins to live.
Emily Dickinson |
In this enchanting collection of poetry Mary Casolins's gentle words certainly live: sometimes reflective, sometimes inspiring but always persuasively personal.
I was introduced to Mary's writing through a mutual friend, and entrusted to preface this volume with some inspiring text! Never one to shirk a challenge I settled to peruse the draft, increasingly awed by the compliment, and aware of the complexity of the task.
What I found intriguing about Mary's words is their capacity to engage, perplex, illuminate and satisfy simultaneously. She openly acknowledges that not 'every word that I have written is of equal poetic value' but I concur with her perception that in their totality they represent an abbreviated 'compass' of her life.
And we are privileged to have many glimpses of that life.
From Mary's struggle with health issues and mortality reflected in 'Masks' and 'From Thanatos to Elysium' we are encouraged by the optimism of her voice and quiet calmness in the rejoicing and strength of friendship and family. The expanse of her love and caring, evident in such as 'Oasis of Silence'; 'Loss'; 'Servitore O Sergente Maggiore' and "Il Principe - Alias Chewy' suggests an inner resilience which meanders unremarkably but persistently through this anthology.
Mary celebrates her cultural heritage, traversing from the respectful humour of 'Cecchino Sparafucile - Just Another Wog' to the broad sweep of the historical pen in 'From Dago to Mate', with 'no backward glance at native sky'.
We share her profound understanding - and for me a moment of nostalgia - at the intangible relationship between owner and animal friend affectionately and sympathetically described in 'Jessie-May' and 'Aristophanes'.
What I discovered in my consideration of Mary's work was something to cherish: a poet who is at once familiar, but then teases the reader to search for the nuances in the intensity of her words and emotions. Enjoy.
BY DR CAROLE FORD NOVEMBER 2008 |
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DR MARY CASOLIN
BOOK CREATORS CIRCLE |
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