Atomizer is the latest poetry collection by Elizabeth A. I. Powell. The collection opens with a poem titled “Atomizer” that explores the relationship between autobiography and critical analysis through the invocation of the muse of perfumery. Powell uses the concept of fragrance notes—top notes, heart notes, and base notes—as a structuring principle for the poem. These notes represent the different layers of a perfume’s aroma that evolve over time.
The poem delves into the complexities of memory, desire, and identity, drawing on the notion of Proustian memory where sensory experiences trigger profound recollections. Powell intertwines language with sensuality, highlighting the interconnectedness of memory, desire, and selfhood. References to Proustian angels underscore the blending of the mundane and the divine in her work.
The structure of “Atomizer” reflects the larger collection, with poems organized into “top notes,” “heart notes,” and “base notes.” Powell’s poems delve into profound themes while maintaining a sense of humor and self-awareness. Through her exploration of poetic forms and language, she challenges traditional notions of identity and femininity.
Powell’s collection extends its critique of structures and forms to various aspects of contemporary life, including relationships, consumerism, media, and societal inequalities. The poems offer a reflection on the superficiality and hypocrisy of affluent liberal whiteness, urging readers to confront systemic injustices and envision a new reality.
Although written before the coronavirus pandemic, Atomizer resonates with the current moment by prompting readers to consider the pervasive impact of societal structures on everyday life. The collection encourages a reevaluation of hegemonic forces and their effects on individuals’ bodies and minds, inviting readers to imagine a more equitable future.
