Another Phase

by Eloise Klein Healy

In April 2013, just five months after being named the first Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, Eloise had a brain injury resulting in Wernicke’s aphasia―a breakdown in the symbol system of language. Poetry was the guide and motivation for recovery. This collection is comprised of a series of five-line poems that began as a focusing exercise yet transformed into a remarkable channel for her creativity. These poems are filled with the same features that have pervaded her work, meaning they are serious, at times playful, sometimes beautiful and sometimes “goofy.” But all have that twist, that meaningful point, that is unique to Eloise’s consciousness.

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2018

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2013, poet Eloise Klein Healy was hospitalized with viral encephalitis whichresulted in a diagnosis of severe Wernicke's Aphasia. In essence, it meant that she could not understand language or communicate. Somehow, she managed to claw her way back. Her post-aphasia collection entitled Another Phase consists of haiku-like five-line poems that discuss her triumph. Below is one of them, entitled "Another Phase," which lends its title to the collection:

It's hard for me to read the L.A. Times.
I want to relearn, to refine part of me.
How did my brain twist?
How did the whack of it phase me?
Every page. Every word blank.

The subject of her rehab in the world of poetry is also covered in a poem entitled "Problem":

When first I wrote a poem,
I couldn't change anything.
Didn't plan to edit or write another.
"Brain fry" was my reality time.
Step two wasn't there yet.

Healy is the former poet laureate of Los Angeles, so I am delighted that she seems to have progressed well beyond step two.

[Rebecca Kuder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is a triumph. So beautiful.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 -5 stars. Idk. Can’t place my finger on everything but I loved it.
I have had aphasia issues so I can relate.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ho hum" is just a word
but what the body knows
is written down and language
is the prize. But what more could you want?
Surprise yourself and never surmise.