by daithi’

Two years ago during Poetry month, I attended a reading by Kim Ward. Her distinct voice during the occasion rang true. Even now, I can recall her poem, “Green Mountain Runes,” and its opening lines:

Great Grandmother, beginning
With your bare Irish feet,
Standing on Abenaki backs,
You walked from rune to rune.
Fehu, cattle, was first. …

When I heard Kim read, I realized immediately that I was in for an unexpected journey. Here was a poet who placed her poems on history that was personal and yet met at the convergence of local Vermont history and cascaded back even farther to runes of Norse origin. Her collection of thought-provoking and emotionally-centered poetry can be found in Fire on a Circle. (Rootstock Publishing, 2024.)

Ward’s poems are divided into 3 parts: “Pursuit,” “Green Mountain Runes,” and “Fire.” To truly appreciate them, read the entire book once through, then step back to see what coalesces. In Part 1, we are taken through various experiences and sites. Her blend of imagery and terseness within each line is worthy of reading out loud.

Part 2, “Green Mountain Runes,” really cements all parts together by looking back and reaching forward. Bear in mind that we are now walking upon ancient lands and stories–much like Queen Maeve of the Táin Bó Cúailnge…where a woman owns as much as her partner. Even more surprisingly, Freya also holds mysterious powers that Odin and Thor covet. All of which leads to a war between Aesir and Vanir. But why am I mentioning it here? This ancient power struggle between a woman as the source of nature in all its mysterious ways and a man who wants everything still prevails today. Freya endures trial by fire several times. This is the backdrop of the various odes to the runes, which bolsters feminine strength and independence beyond masculine reach.

So, it should come as no surprise that Part 3 centers on Fire. Fire manifests itself in several ways: first, as actual fire; then, as the fire in our bellies. As always, fire can be totally destructive or restorative; in love or landscape. Remember, recent practices of a controlled burn demonstrate that fire can be helpful instead of destructive. When I sit amongst the ashes within the poetry collection, there is both a lover and a grandmother who has been guiding and supporting Kim Ward throughout her passage.

You can find Fire on a Circle at Rootstock Publishing

https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/rootstock-books/p/fire-on-a-circle

Be sure to support member authors by purchasing a copy of their book(s.) Also, look for member books in your local independent bookstore( if not available, suggest they support Vermont poets and stock them.)