Zen Forest, review by Avril Warren, B.C. Teacher-Librarian Review

     A delightful collection of warm, human poems that many high school students will appreciate, especially if directed by a teacher.

     Topics vary from a poem about a stray white cat feeling the need for love; to Canada geese, shot by some, painted by others and to the poet "familiar / on some instinctual level"; to flowers, the symbols of love; to Vancouver beaches (in "Towers Beach" she meets a high school friend who stands naked before her and her children and she, embarrassed "keeping my eyes / glued to his face... trying to avoid / looking directly/ at his penis..."): to a section entitled "Poems for the Holy Hours & Other Bedside Covenants".

     Several of the poems in this particular section could be used as models for creative writing. Students could write their own responses modeled on "Epiphany in the Form of Old Woman with Walking Stick" ("Who is the old woman? / A neighbourly busybody./ Who does she ask? /Anyone who will listen".)

     Zonailo has an eye for physical detail and a sensual enjoyment of what she observes and experiences. Many of the poems strike a very personal note, and the reader feels that one is dealing with a very likeable person.

     High schools needing more West Coast lyric poetry should consider buying this volume of verse.

Copyright by Avril Warren: www.carolynzonailo.com, 2004.