The debut poetry collection by Rebecca Kosick, “Labor Day,” delves into the themes of work and time. The book explores the landscapes of the Upper Midwest after industrial decline, conveying both the economic downturn in the Rust Belt and the poet’s absence from the described settings. Across its fifty-six numbered sections, “Labor Day” reflects on labor, time, memory, language, and sentimentality, contemplating the intricate interplay of these elements.
A significant aspect of “Labor Day” is the act of mourning, triggered by the physical spaces left behind by the speaker and the layers of dust that cloud memories, blurring the line between reality and fabricated experiences. The poems delve into the complexities of returning to familiar environments and realizing the altered landscapes, where the past and present converge in unsettling ways.
The collection challenges the authenticity of memories and the reliability of language as a medium for preserving the past. Kosick questions the legitimacy of memories, suggesting that they carry symbolic weight while leaving their credibility open to interpretation as either genuine records or deceptive imitations.
The tension in “Labor Day” arises from the poet’s exploration of language as a flawed and constrained tool for conveying memories. The scripted nature of memory, depicted as resistant to direct manipulation, impedes a genuine engagement with the past. Kosick illustrates how language shapes our understanding of memories, pointing out the limitations of language in capturing the essence of experiences.
By intertwining economic and temporal concepts, Kosick exposes how time is influenced by the capitalist system of labor, leading to a reflection on the impact of capitalism on language and memory. The cyclic nature of time and the erasure it brings to physical and remembered landscapes are portrayed as inevitable consequences of capitalist demands.
Throughout the collection, Kosick portrays language as distorted by time, manifesting in garbled slogans and linguistic disruptions that reflect the fragmented nature of memory. Deliberate misspellings and unconventional syntax add to the sense of linguistic decay, emphasizing the challenge of preserving memories accurately over time.
Despite the pervasive themes of loss and uncertainty in “Labor Day,” the poet remains hopeful, anticipating the creation of new narratives and possibilities despite the persistent erosion of time and memory. Kosick’s exploration of language, memory, and time ultimately underscores the intricate and evolving nature of human experience, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of personal and collective histories.
