City of Slow Dissolve: Delving into the Poetic Tapestry of Mary Burritt Christiansen

In the realm of contemporary American poetry, Mary Burritt Christiansen's City of Slow Dissolve stands as a poignant and introspective collection, an intricate mosaic of language that explores the ebb and flow of time, the fragility of memory, and the profound depths of loss.

Time as a Fluid Continuum

Time, in Christiansen's poetic universe, is not linear but rather a malleable substance, a river in which past, present, and future converge and intermingle. In "Song for the Lost," the poet writes:

City of Slow Dissolve (Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series)

by Beth Kery

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	971 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Paperback	:	64 pages
Grade level	:	7 - 9
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 8.75 inches
Hardcover	:	286 pages

FREE

In this city of slow dissolve,
Where time unhinges, a hinge of stars,
We dance in the echo of remembered laughter

The "city" of the title becomes a metaphor for the fluid passage of time, a labyrinthine realm where memories flicker like distant beacons, illuminating both the joys and sorrows of life's journey.

Memory's Fragile Web

Memory, in Christiansen's hands, is a fragile thread, a shimmering gossamer that connects us to our past but is also prone to distortion and decay. In "The Book of Lost Names," she mourns the forgotten lives of women who have been erased from history:

Their names are lost, like petals blown on wind
Scattered and forgotten, their voices dim
In the attic of time, where shadows gather

Christiansen's poems become a testament to the precarious nature of memory, reminding us of the importance of cherishing and preserving the stories of those who have come before us.

The Silent Weight of Loss

Loss, both personal and collective, permeates every corner of City of Slow Dissolve. In "Elegy for a Vanished City," the poet grieves the destruction of her hometown by a devastating flood:

Beneath the weight of water, a city sinks,
Its memories dissolve, like sugar in rain
The river, once a mirror, now a murky grave

Christiansen's words bear witness to the profound impact of loss, capturing the raw anguish of losing both physical spaces and the beloved people who inhabit them.

Language as a Transformative Force

Amidst the themes of time, memory, and loss, Christiansen's poetry also reveals the transformative power of language. In "The Lyric as a Vessel," she writes:

In the crucible of words, we forge new meaning,
Reshaping loss, giving grief a voice,
A lyric, a vessel, to carry our broken hearts

Through the act of writing, Christiansen transforms the raw material of her experiences into art, finding solace and a sense of renewal in the process. Language becomes a bridge between past and present, a sanctuary where memories can find shelter and loss can be transformed into beauty.

A Poetic Tapestry of Depth and Resonance

City of Slow Dissolve is a rich and multifaceted tapestry of poetic exploration, a collection that resonates deeply with readers on a personal and universal level. Mary Burritt Christiansen's exquisite use of language, her keen insights into the human condition, and her ability to illuminate the darkness with flashes of hope make this poetry series a profound and unforgettable experience.

As we close the pages of this remarkable work, we are left with a sense of awe and gratitude for the poet's ability to capture the complexities of time, memory, loss, and the indomitable spirit of human resilience. City of Slow Dissolve is a poetic masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move generations of readers to come.

City of Slow Dissolve (Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series)

by Beth Kery

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	971 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Paperback	:	64 pages
Grade level	:	7 - 9
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.25 x 8.75 inches
Hardcover	:	286 pages

FREE