Poet Carol Smallwood’s In The Measuring is a slim 116 page volume paced with a broad diversity of poetic endeavors.

The Table of Contents is indicative of what Readers will encounter upon read.

Foreword specifies that Smallwood offers answers for measuring by sharing her methods of measuring.

Introduction relates that this collection is comprised of 77 poems.

Acknowledgments salutes editors who have previously printed these poems in their varied publications.

Prelude tells us that ‘Even if clearly explained by science —there’s mystery in the measuring.

The Domestic is a grouping of 19 poems.  Three Titles Include Legacy somewhat lighthearted words regarding her Grandmother, In The Rain mentions reflections as water pools on the roadway and Sewing By Day asks the plaintive question, “Who are your quilts for?”

 Sea Change  is a selection of 20 works, some very short as is nineteen word Wind in the Trees, a lyrical tale that ‘ebbs and flows’,  and are quite involved as is 6 well worked paragraphs A Shopping Sestina Sans Meter.

Slant and 21 works presents the notion of Defining Time, Clocks and Rain, before culminating with In War and In a Philosophy Class.  My favorite is one I have read before, Sleeping Beauty and the inquisitorial query, What would’ve happened if she had not been a beauty?

In Passing suggests Wayward Winds of Early Springs are best remembered in winter.

Epilogue  precedes Author notes Carol Smallwood is a prolific rhymester who has written or edited some five dozen plus books in the genres of poetry, creative nonfiction, nonfiction, and anthology.

As read-through enthusiasts move across the inaugural works of the volume to begin delving deeper into the frequently subtle works located on the leaves of In the Measuring  it is hard not to dawdle while scrutinizing these well-lit habitually good-natured and interesting insights into a multiplicity of everyday actions found in everyday life.

I find what bonds this latest inimitable gathering of Smallwoods works into an interconnected assemblage, is versifier Smallwood’s always probing questioning which roots these specific poesies to create not simply a one-sided work, but rather presents an all encircling one as well. The rhymester offers  invitations for Readers to consider parting with the near practicalities of what may be really typical life while considering the wide-ranging ether in wherein we dwell. 

I have faith that Readers will find themselves observing warmly their own enduring, increasing awareness of the simple and commonplace as the back cover comes closer.  This variety of stanzas, compositions, and elegies is captured by a regularly vigilant, interested, and attentive cognizance.  Poet Smallwood searches for insignificances, discreetness, and stillness; she is permanently reflective and pensive concerning why, despite time and apparent change, things endure as they are, due in part to the manner in which things emerge.  

Fleeting and evocative, these verses embrace moments with kindness and reward Readers who pause to contemplate them. Smallwood’s exercise of penetrating visualizations and metaphor existing in her verses as she restricts the movement of time spectacularly divulges there will ever be mystiques in life that simply cannot be irreversibly controlled.

I find rhymester Smallwood to be an accomplished and caring writer.  She holds the monotonous and tedious in an unforeseen procedure via her poems to expose a space into fellow beings' inclination for wanting a decisive, perhaps final, answer re what is comparative.   The lyricist lures the reader to move bodily from the warm fundamentals of commonplace life to consider the greater cosmos in which we live. Smallwoods work is a pleasure to examine.

Temporary and evocative, these verses embrace tranquility prior to gratifying Reader hopes for those who embrace them.

I find Carol Smallwood’s In The Measuring to be a worthwhile,  Thought-provoking Read  …   Happy to Recommend for those who enjoy simple verses for simple reading,  this slim volume can be slipped in briefcase or purse for reading for those of us rural folk who still find themselves waiting for the passing train to clear the tracks,  or for reading as busy moms wait for children in the dentist’s chair.  A good edition for the school, highschool and community library and personal reading shelf. In The Measuring will be a nice tuck in for a gift basket for the new mom, favorite auntie or Mother’s Day gifting.

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Reviewed by:MOLLY’S REVIEWS   molly martin    

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35+ years classroom teacher

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Wikipedia  About the Author :  Recent anthologies include: Recent poetry collections include Water, Earth, Air, Fire, and Picket Fences (Lamar University Press, 2014); Divining the Prime Meridian (WordTech Editions, 2015); In Hubble’s Shadow (Shanti Arts, 2017); Prisms, Particles, and Refractions (Finishing Line Press, 2017, nominated for the Society of Midland Authors Award in Poetry); and A Matter of Selection (Poetic Matrix Press, 2018). Her collection of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, Visits and Other Passages (Finishing Line Press: November 2018) is forthcoming, and her collection of essays, Interweavings: Creative Nonfiction, was published in 2017 (Shanti Arts).