Rosetta

In this collection, noted poet Karina Borowicz creates a world within a world. The poems range over many aspects of life, yet are connected by a sense of coherence, continuity, and deeper meaning. The first section, sometimes reflecting war and oppression in Eastern Europe, is the darkest. Yet even here, culturally rich images abound: fields of flax, warm fireplaces, Siberian cherries, red currant jam and bread. Later, we come into the light, and the themes unfold. We explore the natural world of yellow birch leaves, late-winter oaks, a swooping hawk, and the bold V of migrating geese. We visit St. Basil’s Cathedral and the ruins of a New England sea captain’s mansion. The sea in the immensity of its power is a recurring theme. The seasons come and go, but human relationships and a sense of nostalgia and wonder remain. To read this book is a rich and moving experience.