Now, that I arrived at Behind the Lime Kilns, Poems 2, I realize how much had changed over
the course of this journey. Regressing, as you will, I find this earlier work gentler,
albeit still suggestive–whereas the later volumes show a decidedly harsher side
of dreams, of life itself.
What made this poet shed his inhibition? What
emboldened him to share? Whatever it was, it works for Bennett and his poetry.
In his foreword to Behind the Lime Kilns, Poems 2, Bennett states: “Poetry is about
Truth.”
Indeed. Plus, I think, it is about feelings, and awe;
the awe I feel when I come across true poetry. Not words that rhyme in silly
cadence, spouting mundane happenings (we’ve all done that); but poems that
throng about your very soul, rattle your conscience, stab at your heart. Such
is the poetry of Jim Bennett.
Origami,
the
first poem in Behind the Lime Kilns, is—to
those who know, or those who have refused to forget—deliciously suggestive in
its simplicity (and this poet definitely has not forgotten). Power Hits indeed hits hard those who
are alone, whereas Keyboard and Toothsome Wishes lifts the corner on a
bit of wicked humor as, at last, the theme poem Behind the Lime Kilns causes you to breath, “Oh, no.”
Jim Bennett’s later books may be more demanding, more
sophisticated if you will, but all five volumes should go down in the annals of
True Poetry. More importantly, they should be read, and savored, to make you
feel that “Poetry is about Truth.”
Jim Bennett’s poetry books can be found at Amazon
Print versions are available from the Lulu Store in paperback and as e-pubs:
I urge you to visit Jim Bennett’s website where you will find some great images and also a few interesting observations about life in today’s Canada.
