Tess Gallagher, a renowned poet known for works like Midnight Lantern: New and Selected Poems and Moon Crossing Bridge, draws inspiration from the coastal landscapes of Port Angeles, Washington, and County Sligo, Ireland. Her latest collection, Is, Is Not, delves into the realm of poetry seeking a language beyond conventional boundaries, aiming to capture experiences that transcend mere words.
The collection comprises eight sections, each prefaced by epigraphs from poets like Osip Mandelstam and Philip Larkin, engaging in a subtle dialogue on eternity, time, and death. Gallagher’s poems, though often introspective, also convey a sense of interconnectedness, dedicating verses to family, painters, and fellow poets.
While Gallagher is also known for her essays and translations, her poetry stands out for its intimate and autobiographical nature. In one poignant piece from Is, Is Not titled “Almost Lost Moment,” the poet reflects on a shared moment of unity with her mother, weaving a touching narrative of braiding hair by the Pacific. This portrayal of togetherness resonates universally, akin to Seamus Heaney’s nostalgic recollections in “Clearances.”
However, not all poems in the collection achieve this level of accessibility. Pieces like “Without” and “Deer Path Enigma” gravitate towards personal symbolism that may hinder broader interpretation. Delving into the inarticulate, as Gallagher attempts, requires a delicate balance between personal expression and universal resonance, a notion exemplified in poems like “As the Diamond” and its exploration of poetic freedom.
Gallagher’s afterword emphasizes the importance of preserving the enigmatic essence of poetry, expressing a desire to transcend language’s confines without losing the essence of the message. The epigraph “Recognition” encapsulates this sentiment, inviting readers to contemplate the poet’s introspective journey in a world in constant flux.
In essence, Is, Is Not, encapsulates Gallagher’s relentless quest to unravel the complexities of self-expression and experience, akin to the fragmented yet reflective image of the moon in flowing water—a testament to the multifaceted nature of the human spirit.
