Eyes at the Edge of the Woods, by Lois Perch Villemaire

Poetry, chapbook, 28 pages, from Bottlecap Features.

The joys and wonders of nature are ever-present but sometimes it takes an catastrophic event like Covid to turn our attention to these marvels. Remaining indoors for what seemed like endless months, the author couldn’t help but notice the dramatic changes in the woods behind her house, especially that first spring of Covid. This collection of poems was for the most part inspired by this unprecedented period of time when windows became important connections to the world.

These poems fall into three categories: plants, trees, and birds. Untouched by the virus, their daily existence went on as usual. Trees serve as shade, protection, and loving homes to birds and squirrels but they can become a danger. Fallen limbs and uprooted trees may have dire results. Nature can be a double-edged sword.

Birds are an amazing mystery. Their abilities are remarkable, from building nests to caring for their young until they are ready to fly. The author marveled at the nest located only feet from her bedroom window. Their colors are captivating, like the yellow goldfinch and the red house finch. Bringing nature inside is an option. Plants that need to be protected in colder months can be taken inside. It’s gratifying to watch them flourish and thrive.

Lois Perch Villemaire is the author of My Eight Greats, a family history in poetry and prose. Her work has appeared in such places as Blue Mountain Review, The Ekphrastic Review, ONE ART: A Journal of Poetry, and The Ravens Perch. Anthologies, including I Am My Father’s Daughter have included her memoir and poetry. She was the winner of the Haiku Challenge in Pen in Hand July 2023. Lois lives in Annapolis, MD, where she volunteers at the local library. She spends time practicing yoga, researching family  connections, and doting over her collection of African violets.