By Susa Silvermarie
Book Review by Mel Golberg
The poems in Susa Silvermarie’s new book, Who Will Board The Silver Boat, are divided into five sections, with each developing different themes.
The first section, which is also the title of the book, is “Who Will Board the Silver Boat?’ The themes in this section cover aging, wisdom, and embracing life’s journey. The metaphor of wearing “decades” and “rich brocades” in the poem “Dressed in All Our Decades” evokes the richness and wear of lived experiences. The image of “the Silver Boat” symbolizes a final journey or transition, perhaps death, but approached with acceptance. The “Silver Boat” and “crescent hope” suggest a passage to another stage of existence, with an invitation to embrace change. The tone is reflective and optimistic, with a focus on living fully through wisdom gained with age.
The second section, “Mi Mexico,” examines themes of serenity, nature, and cultural connection. Here we have vivid descriptions of a Mexican morning – “Primavera tree,” “little waves,” “mountains” – paint a peaceful scene. The sensory details immerse the reader in a serene landscape, highlighting the beauty of simple moments. The poet sends the peace found in this moment to “every suffering corner of the world,” suggesting a belief in the power of beauty and nature to heal. The tone of these poems is calm and meditative, evoking peace and gratitude.
The third section, “Return of Magic,” contains themes of wonder, innocence, and the desire to awaken to life’s mysteries. “Riding Lightning” captures the poet’s longing for extraordinary experiences, while “Falling into the Sky” creates a sense of surrender and oneness with the universe. These poems emphasize the return to a childlike sense of wonder and trust in life’s mysteries, symbolized by the fireflies and cosmic imagery. The tone here is enthusiastic and filled with awe, especially in “I Believe in Fireflies,” which celebrates the magical aspects of life, from nature to personal beliefs.
The fourth section, “Traveler,” examines the themes of connection, peace, and deep reflection. The “Deep Drink of Peace” describes a moment of stillness between a sheep and a magpie, symbolizing harmony. “Turtle Mind” illustrates the poet’s relationship with a turtle as a lesson in patience, trust, and inner peace.
Here the poet suggests that nature and animals are teachers, guiding us toward a deeper sense of peace and understanding. The tone of these poems is contemplative and reverent, reflecting on life’s small, quiet moments of connection.
The fifth and final section, “Dancing on the Brink,” examines the themes of aging, acceptance, and embracing life’s inevitable transitions. “Late years feel like…holding a bag of feathers” captures the lightness that comes with letting go of life’s burdens. The “bright-eyed crossing” suggests a fearless transition to death, approached with awareness and lucidity. Here, aging is portrayed as a time for freedom, joy, and power. The poet invites others to reject societal pressures and embrace the vitality and wisdom that comes with growing older with a tone that is playful and empowering, particularly in “Call to My Cronies,” where the poet encourages embracing wildness and shedding societal expectations.
In all these poems, there is a recurring focus on transformation, from personal growth and aging to broader themes of nature and cosmic connection. The tone is largely celebratory, viewing change as a path to wisdom, joy, and deeper understanding of the world and oneself. The natural world is often used as a mirror for the poet’s internal journey, whether through trees, animals, or cosmic imagery.
After he retired and moved to Sedona, Arizona, he taught literature at Yavapai College in Clarkdale, Arizona.
He and professional artist Bev Kephart bought a small motor home in 2003, sold most of their possessions, and traveled the U. S. for seven years. After visiting Mexico several times, they settled in the village of Ajijic, joining the ex-pat artist and writing communities.
Mel’s writing has been published online and in print in The United Kingdom, The United States, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. He is the author of three novels, a book of short stories, and several books of poetry. He and his wife now make their home in the village of San Nicholas de Ibarra.
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