Scar and Flower by Lee Herrick (poetry)

This luminous book of poetry was crafted by the current Poet Laureate of California, the first Asian-American to hold the title. When reading a book of poetry, I often flip through and read random poems; however, something compelled me to read this book from cover to cover. It might have something to do with Herrick's recent visit to California.

The subjects of Herrick's poems are diverse, touching on life, death, loss, politics, and family. Many of his poems referenced his first mother, and he brings such beautiful rhythm and music to his words. For example, in his poem, "How Music Stays in the Body," he writes, "Your body is a song called birth/or first mother, a miracle that gave birth/to another exquisite song."

He's a poet who can bring light to the darkness, which is not a surprise since his birth name in Korean means 'bright light.' When reading his poems one cannot help but ponder the elements of the human condition. For me, the best sign of a good poet is one who inspires the poet-reader to craft their own poems, and Herrick does this so gracefully.

Highly recommended!