Member-only story

The Enchanting Verses of "Bride of Ice: New Selected Poems" by Alice Oswald

Bo Cox

·7.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Bride Of Ice: New Selected Poems

5 min read

1.2k View Claps

70 Respond

Save

Listen

Bride of Ice: New Selected Poems

by Val Bianco

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	187 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Alice Oswald, one of the most celebrated poets of our time, has crafted a captivating tapestry of words in her collection, "Bride of Ice: New Selected Poems." This remarkable anthology showcases Oswald's extraordinary command of language, her deep connection to nature, and her profound exploration of mythology and the human condition.

Nature's Enchantment

Nature serves as a central muse for Oswald, and in "Bride of Ice," she immerses us in its intricate wonders. Her poems capture the essence of the natural world with vivid imagery and sensory details. She transforms the commonplace into the extraordinary, revealing the hidden beauty and rhythms that often elude our notice.

In "Dart," for instance, she paints a breathtaking picture of a river's journey:

A river is a slow arrow
that unties itself into the sea

Oswald's keen observation and lyrical prowess bring the natural world to life, inviting us to experience its beauty and interconnectedness.

Mythology and Memory

"Bride of Ice" is not only a celebration of nature but also a meditation on mythology and the enduring power of memory. Oswald draws upon ancient myths and legends, weaving them into her poems to explore themes of love, loss, and the human search for meaning.

The title poem, "Bride of Ice," evokes the myth of Persephone and Hades. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Oswald explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the cycles of life and death.

In another poem, "The Ballad of Mulan," Oswald retells the Chinese legend of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in her father's place. Through this powerful narrative, she delves into issues of identity, courage, and the transformative power of stories.

Linguistic Brilliance

Oswald's mastery of language is evident throughout the collection. She experiments with form and structure, pushing the boundaries of poetic expression. Her poems are characterized by their musicality and rhythm, creating a symphony of sounds that captivates the reader.

In "Duntisbourne Abbots," for example, she uses repetition and assonance to create a hypnotic effect:

Bourne and burn and bubbling bourne
springing bubbling bursting bourne

Through her innovative use of language, Oswald challenges our preconceived notions of poetry and invites us to experience the transformative power of words.

Themes of Identity and Transformation

Underlying the collection's exploration of nature, mythology, and language is a profound exploration of identity and transformation. Oswald's poems delve into the shifting nature of the self, the fluidity of time, and the constant process of change.

In "Falling Awake," she reflects on the transformative power of dreams:

Dreaming's only a kind of falling
awake into your own life awake

Oswald's poems offer insights into the complexities of human experience, providing us with a deeper understanding of who we are and how we relate to the world around us.

"Bride of Ice: New Selected Poems" is a testament to Alice Oswald's artistry and her enduring contribution to contemporary literature. Through her captivating exploration of nature, mythology, language, and the human condition, she invites us to see the world with fresh eyes and to experience the transformative power of poetry. This collection is a must-read for any lover of language, nature, and the human spirit.

Bride of Ice: New Selected Poems

by Val Bianco

5 out of 5