I could say "I finished a book of poems."
But does one ever finish such things?
Does one not rather linger long
on word and page
taking in favored moments again and again
until the words find themselves embedded in memory
where they may shape the soul?
Welcome to Bower Lodge, the first book of poems by poet, writer, editor, and connoisseur of ordinary miracles, Paul Pastor.
Paul is a genuine Native Oregonian, having lived about an hour's drive from the hill he was born on for most of his life.
He has worked in publishing for almost a decade, and specifically as an editor, helping writers construct perfect manuscripts. Books are important to him. and stories have always been important to him
He identifies as a writer and deeper than that, a a poet.
We talk about the difference between poetry and prose, along with what a poem can say that a story cannot. Paul calls poetry the "Whiskey of literature," referring to its aged and distilled, very focused experience. He also calls poetry, "The closest thing to music that literature has."
Poetry is also embodied, and we get the privilege in this episode of having the poems read aloud by the Poet that wrote them.
Paul shares the story of Bower Lodge, a collection spanning about ten years. It's a collection of reflections on turmoil and renewal, during a time when he reflects on being taken apart and put back together in a gentle and all encompassing way. These poems and the images within, invite you on a journey with a "beloved wanderer," being led by an "Embalmer," to the "Bower Lodge," which is a tomb beneath the river. "The Bower Lodge is where you go to die."
But death is never the final end. Through the pains of death come the beauties of new life.
This is the journey. The Poet is the guide. The first step is yours to take, with the turning of a page...
Word and Journey is a listener supported production of Moses Bernabe.
To learn how to support this podcast, please visit patreon.com/mosesbernabe.
For more information about Paul, you can reach him at @pauljpastor on twitter or www.pauljpastor.com
Bower Lodge is available wherever books are sold.
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