The Laws of Falling Bodies

by Kate Light

Co-winner of the Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize for 1997, The Laws of Falling Bodies introduces Kate Light. Many of Light's poem's are tributes to the great dancers and musicians of the Graham, Duncan, Tchaikovsky, Chopin. "Who could she turn to -- There was no answer / but to move in measure, like a dancer." This debut includes sonnets, villanelles, and other surprising, lively, innovative forms. An important feminist debut in the new formalist tradition.

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend. Who was talented beyond talented: violinist, poet, librettist, lyricist, dancer. And so kind and vibrant. (Her only fault being often late to our off-bway show outings - and me stressing out as I oft do. And it always being fine; us being seated on time.) And the asshole of assholes, cancer, took her.. Way too young. And the regret of not being there in the last year because I was struggling through my own, well struggles, (and geography or is that another excuse), and thinking she was fine, and not knowing how fast it would take her, and still feeling the guilt of that years later and reflecting on my vast selfishness...

Her beautiful book of poems. We were writers together - critiquing and praising and laughing and singing TV theme songs at sushi restaurants on 9th Avenue - and this, her poem, reminds me of our talks and of her unending support:

And Then There Is That Incredible Moment,

when you realize what you're reading,
what's being revealed to you, how it is not
what you expected, what you thought
you were reading, where you thought you were heading.
Then there is that incredible knowing
that surges up in you, speeding
your heart; and you swear you will keep on reading,
keep on writing until you find another not going
where you thought - and until you have taken
someone on that ride, so that they take in
their breath, so that they let out their
sigh, so that they will swear
they will not rest until they too
have taken someone the way they were taken by you.

I miss you. STU

[Sande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slim book of poetry that I pick up from time to time and usually find what I am looking for to suit that very moment.