A beautifully written chapbook from Cactus Press. Carolyne Van Der Meer is a seasoned poet, author, and journalist based in Montreal, Quebec. The cover of this chapbook features a sketch of a tree sparrow. One can only wonder if this is the same sparrow from the Sparrow on the Balcony Railing poem, one can only hope.
Birdology, more formally known as ornithology, is the scientific study of birds. These fourteen poems are miniature stories about nature, family, and our relationships with both.
Van Der Meer’s Birdology I poem explores the topic of aging parents and death. This hits close to home, as I’m sure it will be with many other people. Van Der Meer is raw with her honesty and emotions, it’s comforting to know that it is ok to express ourselves.
I suggest reading all the poems first, then reading all the ones titled Birdology I to V in that order. A chapbook that I can see myself revisiting time and time again.
About the Author
Carolyne Van Der Meer is a Montreal journalist, public relations professional and former university lecturer.
About the Reviewer
Shawna Butler is a mother, a retired athlete and a fitness professional. She currently works in the Skincare industry with Drunk Elephant. She enjoys watching baseball and reading anything about sports, fashion, poetry, and biographies in her spare time. Shawna likes to travel anywhere warm and sunny. She has a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University and lives in Paradise, Newfoundland.