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By J. M. Smith
Award-winning journalist, traveler and historian,
Alidė Kohlhaas, invites you to experience her magical
corner of the world through her beautiful poetry and captivating photographs.
Her poems combine "the natural world with the nature
of mankind in its many shades." To her, "human nature and the natural
elements and seasons are inextricably interwoven." How well her poetry
reflects this philosophy:
Blood red August moon
In a mist shrouded sky
Your sombre tone
Matches my mood tonight
Rich images capture the ever-changing
landscape around her rural home, as she leads us through her memories,
loves, hopes, despair and joys. She delights in the seasons, especially
fall and winter. Her gleeful tribute, Thanksgiving, raises the spirit:
October noon
invites to concert
with a tune
so fine . . . .
Crickets play fiddle
frogs are on bass
the river the conductor
in this autumn blaze
of one last romp
that celebrates
the passing of a season . . . |
Her haunting Korea Bound, The Gulag Nightmare
and Memories of Changchun reveal a great depth of
understanding of the human condition and offers extraordinary
glimpses into her past.
In Praise of Winter touches the soul of every
hearty Canadian:
I am a Northern child
that much I know
for I delight in the coolness of the air
and as I touch the snow
I feel at home . . . |
The complexity of our lives are reflected in nature. A State of
Mind presents a beautiful summer day, interrupted by circling,
hungry hawks - intruders in a paradise . . .
. . . on the way to tell us
that peace is just a state of mind
as quiet battles are fought
in daily life beneath the camouflage of tranquility |
In the second section of her book, Kohlhaas treats us to
her haiku. The traditional Japanese verse form is illustrated with
adaptations of Japanese woodcuts.
As the world turns 'round
in never ending circles
Love stands steadfastly |
This wonderful book is an intelligent, intensely personal tribute to
the endless complexities of nature and their relationship to humanity.
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