ladders
we mad climb shaky ladders
... the word mad may conjure up notions that are either arty or primitive . neither would apply in this case . one of the more stunning qualities of these poems is their composure their lack of interest in histrionics . the poets ability to examine her behavior is both edifying and harrowing . a poem such as offering that speaks to the narrators burning herself with a lighted cigarette is remarkable in its ability to turn and turn again as it considers the behavior ... one realizes that once this poem was written this poet could write any poem because she has the ability to indulge metaphor yet not let up a jot on the terror of real circumstances . whatever else has befallen her in her poems she seems incapable of backing down ... baron wormser