Definite Space: Poems

While Ann Iverson makes direct references to contemporary political events, she mutes their potential polarizing effect by considering them within a non-politicized context: her life. Consequently, no matter one’s position on our nation’s response to September 11, to the war on terror, or the president, one can appreciate these poems. –Rachel Lintula

Ann Iverson’s second collection of poetry conveys the emotional journey of a son’s first and second deployment to Baghdad, as well as the spiritual and physical adjustment to a move from the inner city to a country-like suburb. In spare, distinctive imagery, Iverson ponders the personal, familial, and social transitions brought about by life change. She thoughtfully considers the tension within relationships that change often engenders and by doing so, personalizes a national tragedy and the subsequent war in Iraq.

In Even Though she juxtaposes the surreal war and its reality with her common life experience: I cleared my throat and raised my voice, / though the city did not respond. / And the soldiers stay away too long, / for years and years and years / Even though we call to them. / Even though they hear.

Ann Iverson received her MALS and MFA from Hamline University in Minnesota. Her writing has been featured on The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor and has appeared in The Oklahoma Review and MARGIE: The American Journal of Poetry. Her first collection, Come Now to the Window, was published by the Laurel Poetry Collective. She currently is the director of arts and sciences at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. She and her husband live in East Bethel, Minnesota.