The Great Wake

In this new collection, Nina Berkhout skillfully illuminates the quiet corners of our bustling world. Through poignant reflections on childhood, loss, and the relentless march of time, Berkhout implores us to remain vigilant, capturing the subtle yet radiant moments of everyday existence. Within these pages we encounter the enchanting characters of the poet's neighbourhood-a chatty toad nestled in her garden, a beloved late-night grocery store couple-and the ambiance of a birthday dinner or a surreal journey aloft in a hot air balloon amidst the controlled chaos of garbage day. We're led through twilight parks by two loyal Dobermans, guided by the graceful embrace of willow branches, transcending the boundaries of mortality. Amidst the delicate imagery of icicles glistening on eaves, forgotten violets, and the ethereal presence of departed loved ones, the poems in The Great Wake serve as beacons, offering solace and insight into the ordinary yet profound tapestry of life's sorrows and joys.