The Blue Whale Sings from Afar

by Josefina Bérard

Genre: Poetry / Nature

ISBN: 9781639888115

Print Length: 64 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Meditative poems gliding on a gentle breeze

Josefina Bérard’s poetry collection, “The Blue Whale Sings from Afar,” invites readers to experience the tranquility of nature, offering a space for contemplation and introspection. Like a pastel sky or a murmuration of wings, this collection embraces readers in its softness. Bérard’s poetry transports us to a world where language playfully dances and floats on the wind.

Structured around the seasons, the collection is dedicated to revealing the wisdom that nature holds about both the calmest and most turbulent times of life. However, it doesn’t dwell too heavily on the storms; instead, it allows readers to float through their reading experience, creating a contemplative and easy-to-read ambiance. It’s a perfect choice for bedtime reading or starting the day on a peaceful note.

The poems gracefully descend down the page, weaving through grasses, birds, and skies with intricate complexity and lingering thoughts. Among my personal favorites is “Garden,” which exudes a playful quality as it captures the essence of nature’s winds, evoking the senses and the sweetness of fruit. “Ekdahl’s Home” skillfully utilizes specific details to frame a family home, imbuing it with a palpable history. “A Story” and other poems employ creative line breaks to mirror the ebb and flow of nature’s rhythms.

“Birds on the Wire” exemplifies Bérard’s ability to infuse her poetry with a sense of wonder and contemplation:

“Morning’s first light
birds on a wire, waiting
What secrets do they share?”

While the collection offers many quiet and thoughtful poems, there are instances where cliché lines and poems with little substance can be found. Works like “Letter to a Tart” fail to provide much to ponder, and the final section, “Winter,” sometimes veers toward simplicity without introducing fresh concepts.

“The Blue Whale Sings from Afar” ultimately offers a soothing and calming experience. Those who appreciate the intricacies of nature and our connection to it will find this collection to be a delightful accompaniment for a day dedicated to cherishing and giving thanks to our Earth. It is an invitation to embrace the gentle beauty of the natural world and find solace in its rhythms and whispers.