Warp

by Laura Bylenok

The etymology of the word warp is constantly at play in Laura Bylenok s new collection of poems, though the word almost never appears. Warp becomes an agent of the change that is central to existence, projecting through space and laying on hands. Bylenok weaves iterations of warp s definitions through her verses like a wave, a particle, a distortion, a sigh. I want to feel a thing, to feel / myself turn over in my fingers, / turn over in my hands / of salt, my mouth of salt. Never obvious, Bylenok s imagery and sounds linger. Your signature will cover me, an x / I carry in my eyes, and on my tongue / a sip of scotch about to vaporize. Bylenok writes important poems grounded in physicality, finding the divine in the ordinary. In the church, I always saw her, / absentminded, touch her own hands / as if to touch something under the skin.

Genres: Poetry

78 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2015

Reviews

[Warren Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warp, winner of the 2015T.S. Eliot Prize, an extraordinary collection, "a extended meditation" on the word warp, yes, that only begins to describe the poetry here: beautiful, raw, elegant, dark and light, tangible, raw, and quite wonderful, cerebral, and so ver present. To quote the front cover: "Bylenok writes important poems grounded in physicality, finding the divine in the ordinary."

[Rebecca Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Sharp language, surprising combinations of arcane knowledge and life moments, and -- so rare these days -- attention to sound. I look forward to more from this author.