Moving to the Edge of the World is an evocative and mystical poetry collection divided into three parts: Medicine Bear, Burning Bush, and Eaten by Angels. It weaves together themes of nature, spiritual awakening, loss, and the human condition. From personal reflections to mythic imagery, the poems transcend simple narrative and dive into deeply symbolic territory. Whether she’s describing the cosmic kiss where life begins or the journey of salmon struggling home, Alla Bozarth’s writing is full of metaphorical depth and emotional resonance.

The writing style is intense and deliberate and full of layered meanings that require slow reading to unpack. I found Bozarth’s way of blending the natural world with the metaphysical particularly striking. In Where Life Begins, for instance, she doesn’t just speak of life in literal terms but invokes volcanic forces as a metaphor for creation, intimacy, and transformation. This rich blending of imagery gives the collection a timeless and almost primordial quality.

The collection can be challenging at times, with metaphors that feel opaque. In Piscean Moon, for instance, the imagery of salmon and celestial themes required me to reread, making the emotional payoff rewarding but sometimes hard to reach. Still, I found the personal poems, like Jewels, to be more relatable. The way Bozarth speaks of a bracelet from her mother lost and then rediscovered struck a personal chord. The sense of time, memory, and grief resonated beautifully, reminding me of how objects can carry our emotional history. This poem, unlike some of the more abstract ones, felt more grounded and emotionally immediate, making it one of my favorites in the collection.

Moving to the Edge of the World is ideal for readers who enjoy poetry that doesn’t shy away from the mystical or symbolic. It’s a collection that speaks to those who appreciate deep reflection, a connection with nature, and spiritual seeking. If you’re someone who enjoys poetry that stretches your imagination and invites contemplation of life’s mysteries, this is definitely worth the journey.

Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0791M5SFC