One of the most amazing things about poets is the alchemy they use to turn sorrow, bitterness and despair into uncommon art spun from common words. Marcia Ivans is such an alchemist. Her work takes situations that are common to all of us and renders them gems by polishing particular facets. When the light catches those facets, it will reach your heart.
Ivans’ latest book, “Darkness on Sunny Days,” mines a very dark part of her life. Yet in the works that are included, she’s programmed contrasts of light and dark works, much as the sun plays hide and seek on partly cloudy days. It’s our lows that make our highs so delicious, and sometimes they are within the same poem, as with “Games We Play” or “Stop Dreaming,” yet “My Silent Movie” gives us a glimpse into enervating despair when even nature has no lure. A poem like “What’s It Like” take us truly into the darkest parts of the heart.
The message of the book, though, is that even within the days that seem most dark, there is still a glimmer of light. When a lover who swore “forever” leaves, there are still people around us who value who we are, who gives us hope for the future. And poets are frequently romantics, so where there is future, the possibility of love is just around the corner.
Marcia Ivans book “Darkness on Sunny Days” is available at Marcia's appearances and you can find out where she'll be at http://www.mivans.com.
