As a child, I used to mimic Ezekiel’s words by singing “Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,” moving my body like a skeleton. Katie Farris’s book, Standing in the Forest of Being Alive, delves into the essence of these bones before they shed their skin, embodying a life filled with experiences and emotions. The poems in the book speak of a lingering presence in these bones, a reflection of a complete life journey. Farris contemplates the expansiveness of the earth and the concept of a grave as a passage we all must cross.
The speaker in these poems grapples with the struggles of battling cancer and the uncertainties that come with it. The imagery of laying one’s dead down at the doorstep of a grave is poignant, capturing the raw emotions of loss and acceptance. Farris’s work, which includes other publications like boysgirls and several chapbooks, portrays a deeply personal narrative that she refers to as “a memoir in poems.” The poems traverse through hope and fear, intertwining elements of romance, resilience, and humor amidst challenging circumstances.
Farris’s writing style is evocative and spacious, reminiscent of the depth found in Japanese haiku. With minimal words, she conveys profound emotions and observations, inviting readers to delve into the essence of her verses. Through moments like placing Emily Dickinson’s poems over her chest or reflecting on shared grief with her cat during chemotherapy, Farris captures the interconnectedness of life experiences.
Each poem in the collection resonates with authenticity and intimacy, offering glimpses into moments of vulnerability and strength. The simplicity and depth of Farris’s verses leave a lasting impact, much like the brevity and significance of haiku. Through her poetic journey navigating chemo, surgery, and personal growth, Farris’s words echo the resilience and vitality of the human spirit. In the closing piece, “What Would Root,” Farris finds solace in nature, intertwining her existence with the earth in a profound and transformative way.
In essence, Katie Farris’s poems in Standing in the Forest of Being Alive breathe life into the page, celebrating the enduring spirit that thrives amidst adversity and embraces the beauty of existence.
