A Bright Wound

How does a daughter forge her own life in a situation fraught with loss, grief, and the weight of her mother’s expectations? Sarah A. Etlinger’s re-telling of the myth of Persephone and Demeter is coupled with poems about everyday experiences related to motherhood, aging parents, and grief. Themes and symbols associated with Judaism-the pomegranate, the seasonal rituals, the matrilineal culture-play a crucial role as Etlinger explores the interconnectedness of these two ancient cultures. Poems about modern-day life parallel the themes of loss and the unexpected jewels that can come from grief: forgiveness, self-awareness, and a more deeply-rooted connection.