Words in Rows Poetry and Prose

by Cathy Callen

Words in Rows, Poetry and Prose is an autobiography in "short takes," a collection of poems and short prose written over the course of the author's lifetime, and presented chronologically from the earliest to the latest. Poetry written as a VISTA volunteer in Alaska, an accounting of her presence during the University of Texas tower massacre, reflections written about early morning walks with her dog and raising a challenging child, and thoughts about the passage of time are included, among others. Many of the pieces are humorous; several are accompanied by delightful illustrations provided by five artists.

Genres: Poetry

142 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2016

Reviews

[Kmkoplik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I reread Words In Rows--and I often do--I find a new favorite in this delightful mix of poetry and prose. Cathy Callen's most recent work, a collection of poems and essays written over many years, is a small treasure. Thoughtful, funny, wistful, tender, wise--Callen's book is a frequent companion for late night musing or sunny afternoon relaxation.

Right now I particularly savor the poem "Nutmeg" in which Callen anticipates missing her beloved dog who is "with me now, but I miss her here beside me in the future." In the oddly funny, somewhat eerie poem "Reality TV" we peer with the author through tilted window blinds at the mysterious comings and goings of some seldom seen neighbors. After watching many "episodes" Callen decides that "This program is in serious need of better writers." She closes the blinds and considers getting cable.

Other words in rows will claim my attention on other days. With its graceful writing and delightful illustrations this book sits where I can always find it. It has become a good friend.

[Romalyn Tilghman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Callen's collection of poems and essays (and commissioned drawings) present a cohesive and elegant look at a life of grace and generosity. A deft writer, Callen creates poems that are essays and essays that are poetic. Many of her thoughts are common to other women of her generation, full for numbers of years lived and experiences loved. When she describes sprinkling marbles in her garden for the sheer joy of the color, or saving a hand knit, moth-eaten, lime green sweater from the garbage bin, one is reminded of the actions that can be taken to add richness to a life. Callen has created both a memoir and an inspirational primer, a book to be treasured and savored and read over and over again.

[Jean Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callen writes in a pleasing way. She's unassuming, but there's lots of wisdom here and a close and generous look at life. I especially liked her prose entry on her experience working for VISTA in Goodness Bay, Alaska. It was a hard life on the surface, and yet she made its pleasures come alive. She writes with a deft touch, and humor is rarely far away. Take the poem, "The Saving of the Lint," a gift that is "thoughtful and fluffy and gray," and you have an example.

A bonus: The book is imaginatively ad beautifully designed.