What the Trees Know by Emilio De Grazia

In this collection of Emilio DeGrazia, trees become more than what we know them for, more than just ‘green things standing in the way’ and become the characters of focus for every poem. The poems are titled beautifully; “Earth warming”, “Tree talk”, “Elm Naves”, “Tidal Waves” etc. and all indulge in the exploration of the curious lives of trees. The collection is successful in turning that which has become familiar about trees into a wonder and quest of resolving secrets, of poetic science and of myth, legend and religion. The poems in the collection compel the reader on a journey with simultaneous wonder and implied familiarity as the collection travels from aspects of what trees hold knowledge of; “What Leaves Know” ‘The power of place / Their role / In the dazzling outcome of roots’ to poetic pictures and definitions for what they are. The collection finds depth and significance in discussion of the silent influence and contribution that trees have in our lives and puts it in close context with the expression of what our eyes and understanding realize and recognize trees for. In poem “Thursday Hackberry Storm Services”, De Grazia gives us a picture of the hackberry tree’s services outside his house against the thunderstorm “While winds screamed at the streets / And thunder dropped its black bombs / I covered my head in bed, afraid / … / Like bent-over oldsters on canes in a park / Thee hackberries bowed to the storm.”

De Grazia remains innovative and diverse in his verse as he grows pictures of trees and their structures, in unseen, humble and appreciative hues. The collection where observes formal tones of language, it also indulges in humor and transcendental expression and finds itself in observance of Romantic subject matters, however, what stays constant and grounding in this environment is De Grazia’s inclusion of personal experience as he remains dedicated, watchful and humble in his pursuit for understanding the wisdom and favors that trees provide. —Anza Malik

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