Poetry Review: Kat Merriweather on Janine Canan’s Ardor: Poems of Life

Review of Ardor: Poems of Life by Janine Canan

by Kat Merriweather

This collection features earlier submitted works of poetry from other books and journals. I found Ardor very spirited. Ardor contains free verse, koans, commentary on modern life, verses on women as goddesses, a few translations, prayers to deities, and, quirkily, some poems that the author is self-aware about writing poetry. Some poems were very simple (only a few lines at best). It appears as if the poems are meant to be read, not spoken, as it would sound quite awkward listening to its uneven meter.

Interestingly enough, the poems about poetry made me laugh. One in particular, “Imposters,” slams other “poets” who are nothing but mechanics and vampires. At least Canan isn’t “strangling language” to get her message across and does have something to say or praise. Canan has been writing poetry for a very long time, evident by her writing credits.

Readers who are into Eastern mysticism, Goddess worship, and female empowerment will enjoy this book.

One thought on “Poetry Review: Kat Merriweather on Janine Canan’s Ardor: Poems of Life

  1. Hi Kat,

    Thank you for your thoughts on ARDOR: Poems of Life. So glad some make you laugh! Especially “Imposters,” which Eileen Tabios hated in her Galactea Resurrects 19 review. The poems are mostly hot off the press, with some old ones woven through. If you ever get to hear me read, i think you’ll hear my rhythm and flow.

Comments are closed.