In Accelerated Silence: Poems

Brooke Matson's collection of poems, "In Accelerated Silence," explores the multidimensional nature of grief and its blurring of boundaries between what is present and what is absent, between what is real and imagined, and between the promises of science and the mysteries of human knowing. The poems are sensual and devastating, creating an unforgettable portrait of loss full of urgency and heartache and philosophical daring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2020
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

Brooke Matson's collection of poems, "The thin knife that severed your tumor," delves into the profound impact of grief on a world that has been torn apart. When the loss of a loved one undermines the very foundations of stability and sacredness, Matson questions the fundamental principles upon which our world is built. She explores the multidimensional nature of grief, blurring the boundaries between what is present and absent, real and imagined, scientific promises and human mysteries. Through the use of voices and perspectives from scientific subjects, Matson investigates the complexities of loss, including the pain that never ends and the world that refuses to acknowledge it.

The poems in "In Accelerated Silence" are both sensual and devastating, creating an unforgettable portrait of loss that is full of urgency, heartache, and philosophical daring. Matson suggests that the grieving and seeking continue, but there comes a day when we emerge, "now strong enough / to venture out of doors, thin // and swathed in a robe," only to find that it has continued "full and flourishing and larger than before."

This collection was selected as the winner of the Jake Adam York Prize, a testament to its profound impact and artistic excellence. "In Accelerated Silence" is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of loss and to offer insights into the human experience. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the pain of loss and is seeking to understand its multidimensional nature.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781571315151