Nancy Mattoon Kline

On the Edge Nancy Mattoon Kline

Nancy Kline's poems speak to us compellingly of time, nature, love, and loss. Note in particular to "Prudence Island Transport" (sestina), "Stopping by Pete's Pond on a Summer Morning" (sonnet), and "Vacuuming" (a very sprightly villanelle). We should all be glad that Nancy Kline has shared her poems in this introspective, evocative, and altogether lovely collection. Whether writing with exquisite clarity about parents, a snapping turtle, or the simple stuff of life, she says much about our connection (or not) to the world and to others. Poet Mary Oliver has written, "The lyric poem is brief, concentrated, has no more than a single focus, single voice, and employs a natural musicality." Readers will find an echo of Oliver in On the Edge as Kline explores life's journey, where the possibilities inherent in the word "yet" speak of "power, opportunity, hope . . ."