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Saturday, January 11, 2020

I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage, compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Lee & Low Books, Fitzhenry and Whiteside. 2019. $26.95 ages 10 and up

"She shakes the box, smiling,
while I stare at her hands
untying the ribbon,
tearing the paper,
lifting the lid.
She holds the rock with flat fingers,
like some rotten egg.

Mother walks into the kitchen,
puzzling. She puts a clove of garlic
on her thick round cutting board
and brings the rock down hard."

This amazing compilation offers brief glimpses into each of the poet's memories of times - both good and bad - spent with family. The diversity and culture of each is celebrated in heartfelt vignettes of lives lived and differences acknowledged. Each looks with open hearts and eyes at the depth of family connections.

The format for each double page spread includes the work of a distinguished poet, accompanied by an illustration from an equally revered artist. Both share short personal thoughts concerning their contribution to the anthology.  Any words needing an explanation are placed in tiny script at the bottom of the poetry page. The artwork is as diverse as the poetic forms. Each is a very personal glimpse at an event, a feeling, a time in the artists' lives, and brings the reader into the experience itself.

The introductory poem, a part of which is shared above is from Janet S. Wong and describes a Mother's Day when she had no present for her mother. Of her poetry she says:

"Poetry shows you what you are inside,
what is on your mind or in your heart
when you might not even know it."

Simone Shin, whose quiet collage artwork faces the poem, says of her art:

"Art to me is when you gather your past, present, and future and somehow
express them as one; when you allow your memories, your current
condition, and your hopes and dreams to vibrate together in harmony."

I have read these poems numerous times and find something new each time, as also happens when taking a closer look at the gorgeous images created. The About the Poets and Artists is most enjoyable. It provides photos of each as both a child and the adult they have become, as well as a  short biography that describes their heritage and their work.

Reading this book on your own, or with your children, will give you pause to think back on your own life's memories. Perhaps a poem is in your writing future.

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