Small Poems Again

In her fourth volume of small poems, Worth presents us with 25 polished gems that reflect the world in all its particularities. Both the lyrics and Babbitt's black-and-white drawings are understated but astonishingly vivid. The poet focuses on homely thingscoat hangers, fleas, a starfish, a dandelionand makes us see what we carelessly miss. The tiger has ""swallowed/ A black sun'' and ``carries it still:/ Black flames/ Flicker through/ His fur.'' A skunk walks by, ``half vapor, half/ Shade, diffusing/ The night's uncanny/ Essence and atmosphere.'' The mantis bows ``such lean and monklike/ Shoulders'' and the poet asks if he is ``Wholly/ Holy Pretending/ To pray/ While intending/ To prey.'' Each image of these spare poems startles, and each verse reveals the sensibilities in a poet who respects her audience. (All ages)