Impetus: Ghazals

by Andrea McKenzie Raine, Christina Jenssen (Illustrator)

This chapbook of ghazals explores the struggle to reconcile life's duties and artistic pursuits; to essentially stop the proverbial wheel and carve out valued time for indulging in our soul's work, or simply being. Our bodies can become drones or cages, often feeling constricted or boxed in, searching for a small space to forge a different way, a porthole or exit point; to spread quiet, burning wings.

13 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2015

About the author

Andrea McKenzie Raine was born in Smithers, BC and grew up in Victoria, BC where she still resides. She was enrolled in the Creative Writing program and earned a B.A. in English Literature at the University of Victoria in 2000, and completed a post-degree Public Relations certificate program. She has attended the successful Planet Earth Poetry reading series (formerly known as Mocambopo) in Victoria, BC since 1997, and participated in the Glenairley writing retreats led by Canadian poet and novelist Patrick Lane in Sooke, BC. In 2005, she published her first book of poetry, titled A Mother’s String, through Ekstasis Editions. Her poetry has also appeared in Mocambo Nights, Canadian Literature journal, Quills, Borderlines anthology (Ascent Aspirations magazine), Tempus anthology (Rubicon Press), Poems from Planet Earth (Leaf Press), Tongues of Fire anthology, and several Glenairley chapbooks edited by Patrick Lane (Leaf Press). She has also written book reviews and articles for local magazines, celebrating the work of her peers. She lives with her husband and two young sons and, by day, is employed as a correspondence writer for the provincial government. Turnstiles is her debut novel published by Inkwater Press. She also published her second novel, A Crowded Heart, through Inkwater Press, which is a prequel to Turnstiles. Her most recent novel is the third book in the Turnstiles series, a sequel titled Beyond the Summer Grass.

Reviews

[Rebecca Askew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very modern and extremely relatable poem, in the lyrical such a lyrical style.

I haven't much experience or knowledge about the form, Ghazal, but this book has given me a great appreciation for it.

An excellent, excellent chapbook. Highly recommended!

[James Sillwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poem is written in the form of a Ghazal; a lyric poem with a fixed number of verses and a repeated rhyme traditionally set to music and often sung by Iranian, Indian and Pakistani musicians.
Impetus is the force that makes something happen, or happen more quickly. The subject of this poem is the struggle to write and to be creative, without blocking out everyday life, whilst still dealing with the demands of others around us.
The author skilfully conveys the sense of this struggle; "The clock reads the same time, every time I look." and "Days of inertia; a push that won't pull me out of this chair." It is impossible to prevent the routine of everyday life intruding; "I gulp down tea, wet my hair, wring out words before work." The use of the words "wring out" emphasizes the theme of an on-going battle; "My desk is a Warfield. I send out papers like reinforcements."
The writing process is described as slow, gradual and drawn out; "A slow procession of words," and "Pages sent, expectant, after the ten year birth of a book." This contrasts with the pressure and stress of everyday life; "Mad-dash mornings," and "A rushed weekend."
There is a sense of life continuing on, regardless; "The bus is full of lives and plots." and
"Sparrows pirouette past the window."
Although the author is involved in a battle it is their own personal one. Others around them pursue their own interests, whilst still demanding the author's attention; "The end of a work week is a loved one returning. I try not to fast forward myself."
The author is pulled in all directions. The reality of life is forever just around the corner. There is never any escape. You may decide to devote a certain set time to your writing, but never forget that life may have other ideas.
The writing throughout is vivid, lyrical and evocative. Every author will be able to identify with the message of this beautifully written piece of work.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of poetic joy, expressing the frustrations of a life pulling in numerous directions and the inner urge to express oneself in words and poetry.

A chapbook masterpiece in a ghazal format.

Well written verse like this is like an easy listening musical score or the background lapping of an incoming tide.

Just occasionally like a discordant note or a crashing wave the author returns you to the present. You are assailed by the depth and resonance of one particular line of verse.

A small book to be re-read. Spellbinding words to delight and prime your imagination. Upon each re-reading one’s appreciation will grow and suddenly 5 stars will not contain the regard you have for Andrea and Impetus.

We all strive for a work like balance few can express that quite so well as Andrea McKenzie Raine achieves here.

“The world, a medicine ball, and that gym teacher – the one you never liked – keeps throwing it at you. Days of inertia; a push that won't pull me out of this chair, ……”

“Ink drips down my legs, my fingers remain stiff, poised on home keys. I wait for another story.”

“The bus is full of lives and plots; I sit in my seat and watch the stage.”

“Dead morning stare out of a caffeine jump.”

“The night hours collect in the corners of my eyes. The light feels raw and unnatural.”