"Small Matters" by April Bulmer is a collection of delicate and evocative poems that explore the profound beauty found in life's subtle moments. This slim volume contains 30 concise poems, each a miniature masterpiece of imagery and emotion.
Bulmer's work is characterized by its brevity and power, echoing the book's epigraph "Less is more" by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Each poem, typically three lines long, captures a vivid snapshot of nature, spirituality, or human experience. The verses touch on themes such as the natural world, love, loss, and the divine feminine, often blending these elements in surprising ways.
The poet's unique imagery shines throughout, with lines like "fossilized tongue / mouth of mountain / stutters first words" and "my heart is a poem / my body is a message in a bottle / words etched on bone." Bulmer's background in religion and theological studies infuses many poems with a sense of the sacred, while her artistry creates a harmonious balance between the earthly and the spiritual.
"Small Matters" invites readers to pause and reflect on the significance of fleeting moments and seemingly insignificant details, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary. This collection showcases Bulmer's mastery of concise yet impactful poetry, cementing her reputation as a respected Canadian poet.