Taneum Bambrick's second collection of poems portrays how moments of intimacy can represent moments of violence – and how difficult it can be to untangle the two from each other.
The way in which we present ourselves to the world is not always the way in which we see ourselves. That gap widens when it meets the constant memory of violence.Taneum Bambrick comes to terms with that gap in her life — understanding how she has protected herself from the burden of a traumatic past by simply daring to remember it.
An early poem in the collection, titled"Saying I am a survivor in another language," considers the moment before two people have sex with each other for the first time:baked by nuns who live down the street. She then brings us to the reason for that prayer: After her assault, she notes,"I was terrified. I didn't touch a man for seven years" — the memory of assault threatening to break through that present moment before the poet is about to have sex. But the poem ends:"You are the first person to not know this." So along with Bambrick, we move on.
Other poems shift in this same way: Bambrick presents the reader with a moment, and then a detail takes us back to her past tragedy — it's memory infiltrating the present. In"Date," the poet is looking at two swans paddling in a fountain at a restaurant, and then:"From the bar, you return with a friend / who owns a gelato chain in the city.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Dream Setlist for Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: Critic’s PicksWith Rihanna finally getting her moment to shine bright at the SuperBowl Halftime Show, Billboard came up with a strong (and lengthy) list of songs for her upcoming set.
Read more »
DART asteroid smasher's tiny companion spots Earth and stars (photos)LEIA and LUKE are ready for their big moment.
Read more »
34 Movie Scenes That Were So Shocking, People Actually Gasped In The TheaterFrom Joker to Parasite to Frozen, I still can't believe these movie moments happened.
Read more »