[dropcap]I[/dropcap] could count the number of times I’ve read a complete poetry book in one sitting on a single digit. Until now. Ruth Panofsky’s Radiant Shards not only allows a single-sitting read but almost demands it. A sectioned story of fact and speculation, this suite of poems is well-researched yet comprised of fabricated insight that (I like to believe) must be accurate. This is an author who knows her subject intimately, adding poetic artistry that, poignantly paired with historical photos in black and white, creates an enrapturing, ekphrastic-adjacent feel. [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#0F0039″ class=”” size=””]”Panofsky’s poetry reads like narrative prose, thus the story-time readability, the gradual revealing of a fully developed character, and our desire to know what comes next.”[/perfectpullquote] Panofsky’s poetry reads like narrative prose, thus the story-time readability, the gradual revealing of a fully developed character, and our desire to know what comes next. As a reader, we’re granted predominantly unobstructed views aboard a depression-era trolley-like ride through Winnipeg’s North End. I can relate in more ways than one, this being my dad’s hometown, a time and city I know well, ethnic blocks and pockets of grit. Not to mention a sex worker buddy – their journey, while unique, unfailingly familiar – who I’ve written with. Following a prompt to share something funny, something personal, with a blush he/she told the story of their most embarrassing moment – dozing off on the job, mid-job. Their second most embarrassing moment? Waking up, after dozing off on the job, mid-job. Finding levity (and strength) in situations that could break others.
Within this neighbourhood Panofsky directs our windowed ride through Hoda’s childhood, family, loss, hardship, choices or lack thereof, parenthood, a youngster and woman’s survival. It would be wrong to break the fluidity of this work, so instead I share a sequence of passages in their inherent, seamless flow.
Our Prologue:
As I walk / the North End / streets / Hoda’s body / the pitch / of her voice / beckon // Soon / I find myself / yielding / to her rare / dignity / compassion / and grace
Beginnings:
Fatso cow / the kids call me / cracked too // but I know better – / my body sparkles / my mind stirs // let them jeer – / I say nuts to them
Initiation:
Hodaleh, Hodaleh / Daddy calls / his voice // nearly breaks me / he is gentle / I betray his trust // easily / sleep with boys / in the adjacent room // and pretend otherwise / I do it for him / to earn our keep // and make him safe / by my side / in my sight
And Renewal:
His words / and will / strengthen / my resolve / against the / bullying torment / that rises anew / in Daddy’s hallowed North End.
While structure allows fluent absorption of this work, Panofsky’s content – words, style, structure – pull us through this time, this space, and this story of resilience in such a way we FEEL our heroine’s strength, determination, caring, need, and yes, pride that makes an individual – real or imagined, relatable. This is a project of passion shared in a rich, engaging manner. I’m left pulling for a person I’ve never met, but perhaps now know.
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About the Author: Ruth Panofsky is an award-winning poet who lives and writes in Toronto, where she teaches Canadian Literature and Culture at Ryerson University. She is the author of Lifeline (2001) and Laike and Nahum: A Poem in Two Voices (2007), which won the Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Award. Radiant Shards: Hoda’s North End Poems, her third volume of verse, received a Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Research Award.
About the Reviewer: Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of WIBA Finalist Gone Viking: A Travel Saga and Dromomania: A Wonderful Magical Journey. His Indie Folk CD is Studio 6. Bill’s poetry, articles and columns are published in Canada, the US, UK, Europe and Asia. When not trekking the globe with a weatherproof journal, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, making friends and misbehaving. https://www.amazon.com/author/billarnott_aps
Title: Radiant Shards: Hoda’s North End Poems
Author: Ruth Panofsky
Publisher: Inanna Publications, May 26, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-77133-757-1
Pgs: 128 pp
*Please note if you choose to purchase this book through Amazon using the link to the left we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you cannot see the Amazon (if you are using an ad blocker, for instance) here is the link: https://amzn.to/3flhP8P Thanks!
Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of A Season on Vancouver Island, theGone Viking travelogues, andA Perfect Day for a Walk: The History, Cultures, and Communities of Vancouver, on Foot(Arsenal Pulp Press, Fall 2024). Recipient of a Fellowship at London’s Royal Geographical Society for his expeditions, Bill’s a frequent presenter and contributor to magazines, universities, podcasts, TV and radio. When not trekking with a small pack and journal, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, where he lives near the sea on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh land.
