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A touching, personal collection burgeoning with possibility and potential.
A series of unique and emotionally charged poems, paired with personal sketches from the author.
Stargazer by Rachel M. Patterson is a short collection of seventeen poems and illustrations.
Often, I search for the story beneath any collection but Patterson’s debut reads more as a foray into the craft rather than a journey. Consequently, Stargazer deals with a myriad of subjects - from Eden, to the night sky, to unrequited love. Patterson reveals her loves and her many colours in poems like ‘Spiral’, ‘Innocence Lost’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘A Mother’s Love’, whilst painting glorious scenes in ‘Ancient Garden’ and ‘Lunatic’. She also strips her soul raw in heart aching pieces like ‘Something’.
However, Patterson has a penchant for rhyme which I felt stunted the potential of some of the work in this collection. The strict focus on structure and rhyme meant some of Patterson’s images and word choices felt contrived. Although this is my personal taste, I adore the freedom poetry can provide and I felt that at times Patterson drew an end to pieces when she could have kept on running.
Thus, Stargazer is a collection which reflects Patterson’s growth as an artist and a poet. There is no denying the burgeoning possibility and potential already blossoming; so I hope Stargazer is just the beginning for Patterson.
I am a writer and freelance editor/proofreader based in the UK. I have self-published two poetry collections (Between the Trees and Flowers on the Wall). I enjoy reviewing poetry, short stories, literary fiction and historical fiction. I am the Editor-in-Chief for Free Verse Revolution magazine.
A series of unique and emotionally charged poems, paired with personal sketches from the author.
The ancient garden looks dead tonight,
Darkness feeds it with her poison,
It hums with ossified future light,
A light the now appears frozen.
The promise of a flame in the morning,
Hypnotizes the wandering mind,
A ghosted tree heeds its warning,
The gruesome remains scar the blind.
The wiry leaves once so green,
Frame broken hearts unseen.
My eyes are weary with regret,
That Eden fell twice or more yet.
Rachel Patterson's poetry has been published in several literary journals, such as The Penmen Review. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English, and she is completing her MFA in Creative Writing. Rachel lives near Pittsburgh with her husband, son, and three crazy cats. view profile
Published on March 30, 2020
Published by
2000 words
Genre: Poetry
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