Poetry isn't my first language, so I had to read this twice. I would consider it more comolicated poetry than the average person usually reads, but you shouldn't let that scare you! After the first read through, I would have given it a 4.5 because of this; after the second, I gave it full stars.

After the first read through, I knew it was haunting and special. The poems center around a woman who's having marital difficulties in the midst of raising two children diagnosed with autism. The author doesn't back down from hard feelings, but there's also a tenderness woven throughout. 

It wasn't until the second read through where the garden metaphors really stood out to me and cinched everything together. The garden is used to talk about the difficult dichotomies in marriage - the decay and regrowth that occur when trials come. 

The threads of the poems are woven together so beautifully. This difficult topic is treated with a rawness and dignity and vulnerability that is incredible to experience. It's hopeful and tender, yet doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. It's such a beautiful and hopeful ode, and I can't wait to read more from this author!