The Second Child: Poems

I am not a person who reads poems. I just never thought it was a good way to pass the time. I picked this up at the library and I swear it just popped into my hands! The way she writes is how I think, but can't express myself. She puts into words what my heart thinks. I love how she talks about nursing her children, about life/death, about being overcome with worry for her children, etc. I read it three times last night and was reading it to my husband in bed. I will buy this book for myself. It is terrific and I will get her other books from the library.

This book spoke to me. Perhaps because I too am a mother who lives in New Jersey and commutes to NYC on a daily basis, but I think anyone who has moved on to the next stage of their life, will enjoy Ms. Garrison's wry observations of modern life and parenthood. The poems are both moving and funny and she writes in an accessible, conversational tone. This book was a great treat. I am considering buying it for my other mommy-friends.

I have to strongly disagree with the previous reviewer. I found Ms. Garrison's poems to be uplifting, encouraging and as bright as the noonday sun. I came away from the book with a smile on my face and feeling optimistic about the state of Motherhood in America today. Nobody has perfect kids, we all know that, and yet....we all want to believe our kids *are* the perfect ones. I know my two daughters are as perfect as perfect can be...as are their children. Don't be scared away from this book by one negative review. The poems are refreshing and upbeat and are about one woman's unique, real life. She doesn't claim to be Edna St. Vincent Millay...she just wrote luminous little poems about her own life experience as only she could do. I'm glad I heard Ms. Garrison on NPR and found her poetry.