August 27, 2009 Arts » Book Reviews

Harmonics, Jesse Patrick Ferguson (Freehand Books) 

Ferguson will get better with time

by Sean Flinn
Ferguson divides his poems into two parts, "Fundamental Tones" and "Overtones." In the first part, Ferguson offers short, declarative lines in "Norval," stating "Morrisseau's paintings prove/there are no new pigments." In part two, Ferguson extends line-lengths a little and lets images linger and resonate a little longer in "Shaman Traveler to Other Worlds For Blessings," named after a Morrisseau painting: "On birch bark you'd breathe ecosystems/be robed in a chain mail of food chains." The poet's love (or adoration) of alliteration may irritate some as self-conscious, but may tickle others as simply fun to read aloud. Born in 1982, Ferguson closely observes and considers the world around him---his world, which has included, for example, travel----but not too much or too far. So one starts to wonder about the breadth of his experience. Sure, Ferguson writes about death (of a friend his age) and other losses, but it's through repetition, repeated blows and shocks, that experience and wisdom is gained. This will correct itself in time.

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