The first (and maybe only) chapbook from this year’s open-query period is Hymns for Old Horses from Lisa Lopez Smith. The subtitle promises “field notes on love & grief,” and Lisa warned me in her cover letter: “Content warning for dead animals and violence.” I was mildly worried; however, I don’t think it was overly warranted.
Sure, she is a shepherd and many of the poems are matter-of-fact snapshots of that life taking care of and rescuing animals (in Central Mexico). But the evocative imagery and language captures the scenes in a way that draws readers and also connects them to the larger natural world. We all live in a place that is both safe and beautiful but also harsh and very real. Lisa’s poems are from those places.
From “The Strays Rescue Me”:
“There’s a place in the choir for all the creatures.
A note on the piano for every emotion—
acoustics long and deep and wide.
Every note meant to be played, even the minor keys.”
The chapbook is now available on the Titles page, with dropdowns for international shipping options.