Robert Okaji’s new poetry collection Our Loveliest Bruises can be considered his greatest work, truly a magnum opus. The spare language belies the beautiful compelling imagery as it probes the depths of emotion.
Some of the poems have been published in various literary journals and anthologies, but the book is a tightly woven project of loss and grief. Okaji uses the Japanese bamboo flute shakuhachi as a metaphor for these emotions. Throughout the book, in various poems, the poet breathes his life force into the holes of the instrument, producing notes which are akin to his poems. The holes represent the absences of loss. Eventually, in “Self-Portrait as Shakuhachi,” the poet becomes the flute: “How easy to let air / slide through oneself.”
The poet’s mother’s ghost is a recurring character. She does not communicate, but there is a sense of competition between the two. The imagery in these poems is rough and realistic. There is a sense of profound regret, but also of love. From “Ghost, with a Line from Porchia”:
Your battle with language, with silence, invoked.
I stretch the word and weave this dirge for you.
Some poems address a “you,” and I believe in many cases this person is his mother’s ghost. But it could mean the poet himself. There are instances in some poems that point out the brief nature of life itself or are a merging of mother and self and perhaps even a universal human message. “Each day lived is one less to live,” Okaji writes in “Mother’s Day.”
Robert Okaji has written an extraordinary account of the “loveliest bruises” we experience from the love we have for loved ones, of self, of life itself.
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Bob Okaji blogs at O at the Edges. If you haven’t read his blog you might not realize that Bob was diagnosed with late stage metastatic lung cancer. He has posted a couple of times on his blog about his illness. He continues to do well, although he doesn’t always feel that great.
Bob is the person who first introduced me to the Tupelo 30/30 poem challenge. I think that challenge really motivated me into writing more and more poetry.
Click the link to Bob’s blog so you can send him some good vibes. And then, if you can, click the link to his gorgeous book.
Our Loveliest Bruises
Oh, my, what a poignant collection. As a work of art it has a pleasing wholeness….but oh, how sad. “Each day lived is one less to live,” immediately reminded me of something….but I couldn’t say what. Maybe my own thoughts but in other words. Thanks for sharing this review.
Thanks, WJ. And you’re welcome. Yes, it’s a stunner, for sure!
Congratulations to Bob on your heartfelt review! Sharing to help spread the word about Our Lovliest Bruises.
Liz, thank you so much for sharing!!!
You’re welcome!!
Wish there was a Kindle version for me to buy in India.
Reena, this is something that is so annoying to me about so many poetry presses–that they don’t offer Kindle. I am sure they have good reasons, but it shuts out so many readers. 🙁
True 😡
A wonderfully insightful review and tribute to Bob the man
Thank you, Derrick. You are mentioned in the back of the book, if you didn’t know. In the list of people in “In Appreciation.”
Thank you for that info, Luanne
What a lovely review! Thank you for sharing it xo
It’s always a delight to read a lovely review, the cover of his poetry book is gorgeous!
Your book review of Robert Okaji’s new poetry collection Our Loveliest Bruises touched my heart, Luanne.
A lovely review of this beautiful book. I’ve been a fan of Robert’s poetry for a long time now. I’ll look forward to reading it.
Hi Luanne. What a lovely review. I’ve long been a fan of Robert’s poetry blog but somehow missed this. I found it when searching for his new book to order. Your blog came up along with the Taos Press site. I’m off to order it now.
I’m so happy that you are buying Bob’s book! It’s so beautiful.