In a strange blessing of timing, I received Merrin's latest while struggling to let my 18yr-old daughter leave home. I was sceptical; what could this poet possibly say that I wasn't living through?
Then, from "Long Distance", "Lately, my daughter and I speak/by way of cats ... stiff-legged, she steps away." How artfully, I thought, she's rendered the messy, emotional business of letting your daughter go. In a fit of jealousy, I put the book away.
After Sept. 11, all my novels, music, videos seemed meaningless. I sought solace in poetry. From the generous inclusiveness of "Family Reunion", to the lament of her closing verses ("...the always available/possibility of changing your mind.") Merrin has reminded me that we are family - as long as we love - it ain't easy - but nothing matters more.
Poetry matters. words truly can heal, soothe, sometimes enlighten. And remember hope? That's what I feel after re-reading Bat Ode today.

i'm familiar with the poet's work from pre-_Shift_ and enjoyed _Shift_ muchly. so, with abandon i glommed _Bat Ode_ from amazon, even splurging on the hardcover edition. another keeper. in vain have i tried to post a short review of this work while i thought of something more, uh, more. it doesn't seem to take, "Merrin renders the quotidian exquisite". then while google-poking on her name about i found this phrase re Elizabeth Bishop, "transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary". looks like i'm in synch w/someone out there. for a glimpse at the possibilities see http://www.poets.org/poems/poems.cfm?prmID=2170 - recommended.

Merrin's collection of poetry is one that makes the reader stop after every 1-2 poems to think about life in a new way. Through her modern free-verse poetry, Merrin explores relationships with family, love, place, and herself, shedding a different light on each of these subjects. Definitely a book worth reading!