With her words shimmering with her Southern roots, poet Carolyn D. Wright paints an atmospheric picture of life’s passing shadows and small joys in her book, Casting Deep Shade. Not only does Wright’s lyrical language capture the beauty in frail moments; her intimate understanding of the passing of time ensures the words linger long after the heels of her chapters have faded.
Wright’s collection provides a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of rural Southerners. She opens Casting Deep Shade with “Kitchen,” a poem that is strangely familiar yet alien all at once. Its imagery of willow trees and sweet tea bring readers back in time to a childhood kitchen, full of fragrant aromas and bucolic moments. Wright conveys the same nostalgic reverie in “From the Doorway of my Mind,” a poem about the deciduous landscape found everywhere in the South.
The poet’s skill at painting scenes full of imagery fully emerges in the next few pieces. From the church cookouts of “Fried Chicken and Biscuits” to the central role of running water in “Few Hours Closer to Home,” Wright objectively examines the small details that largely go unnoticed. “Corner Table” looks at a moment that’s gone as quickly as it came, while “Country Dance” captures the nuances of grief and found joy.
Wright’s eye for detail continues unabated in the book’s titular poem, “Casting Deep Shade.” The piece describes the fading of day into night, mirroring the passing of time in the life of its protagonist. Its language is somber yet beautiful, offering a reminder that life will continue to move forward, no matter the weather.
In addition to these more serious pieces that dot the collection, Wright’s light-hearted poems provide a perfect balance. “Miss Gertie’s Garden” is a whimsical tale of sibling rivalry, while “Where We’re From” is a nostalgic look at a bygone era.
Ultimately, Wright’s work serves as a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed in all its finiteness. As she writes in “Until the Barn’s Enduring Fences,” “Time passes, sweet and slow/And gone before we know.” It’s in this understanding of humanity’s fragile nature that readers find solace in her thoughtful musings.
Casting Deep Shade is an ode to Southern living and a masterclass in poetry composition. From its atmospheric accounts of everyday occurrences to its touching reminders of life’s fragility, Carolyn D. Wright’s book is one that will linger long after its pages have been turned. This collection is sure to leave readers deeply moved and brimming with snippets of lyrical wisdom that best capture the experience of life’s brief moments.
