Poems that explore the wilderness in order to find rest and divine
providence.
In the story of the prophet Elijah, he must flee his home, and, after an
arduous journey, he arrives under a broom tree, where he prays for his
own death. But in his sleep, he is touched by an angel who provides food
and water. In this moment, the broom tree becomes a symbol for shelter
in a barren landscape, a portent of hope and renewal.
Drawing inspiration from this tale, Natalie Homer's debut poetry
collection is a trek through the wildernesses of the heart and of the
natural world. Exploring the idea of divine providence, Homer finds
seams of light opening between forlorn moments and locates, "Something
to run a finger through, / something to shine in the ocher light."
Within these narrow spaces, Homer explores themes of longing, home,
family, and self-worth amidst the wondrous backdrop of the American West
and the Rust Belt, while integrating a rich mythology of narrative,
image, and association. The broom tree, offering the capacity for shade
and respite, becomes a source of connection and an inspiration for the
collection. It is an invitation to sink deep into the earth and self and
feel the roots entwine.
