TROPIC OF SQUALOR Poems

Mary Karr's steady narration of her poems is marked by the full-bodied enunciations of carefully crafted consonants and vowels. The works sound as if they are meant to share both the contemplative and the poetically humorous. She offers clarity in her narration, even if one doesn't directly understand the content of each poem. Her work consistently makes religious references that play with one's emotions. It is also metaphorical, witty, in-your-face blunt, and often suggests a rhythmic hint of lullaby tones. Some of the poetic journeys are curt, with sudden endings. There are so many great moments, for example, the "Obscenity Prayer," which offers another take on the Lord's Prayer and also wryly alludes to the Alcoholics Anonymous mantra known as the "Serenity Prayer." T.E.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2018]