Peter Mladinic’s “Maiden Rock” stands as a testament to the profound intricacies of human experience. The poet has blended personal reminiscence with universal themes. I appreciate the authenticity with which the poet performs his social responsibilities. From Okinawa to Vietnam, from Lyndon B. Johnson to Malcolm X, in Peter’s pen, contemporary lives and incidents take perfect, precise shapes. American life with all its tragic glory is well reflected in his poems: American singer Cornell Gunter who was shot in his car, American actor Sal Mineo, who was murdered, Casting director Judy Taylor who died in a car accident and Elvis Presley who starred her movie “Jailhouse Rock”(1957) and couldn’t bear to watch it after her tragic death.
The very first poem, “Maiden Rock,” reflects on the beauty and tranquility of nature. “Black Beard, White Dog” captures a moment of quiet reflection and the simple joys of life shared with a loved one. It emphasizes the importance of companionship and the daily routines that define our existence. In “Mantle and Mays”, the author reminisces about baseball and his childhood memories, using the sport as a metaphor for broader themes of legacy, nostalgia, and the bonds shared with family. “Message in a Bottle” is a definition of motherhood –
“Mother
who rocked me in arms, as I slept,
whose body vessel brought me this shore.”
“The Bridge of Love” intertwines personal memory with broader societal themes, addressing loss and the passage of time in the face of societal challenges. In “The Dog No One Wants,” the speaker welcomes a dog of no fancy breed, such as a Yorkie or a Chihuahua, but a dog whom no one wants. “Pets” is a funny poem for pet lovers. In Peter’s pen, love is nothing magic or full of miracles but rather gloriously mundane yet honest-
“I knew the dark, thick skin of your body,
your uncircumcised penis, the tone of your
voice in a closeness as intimate as love,
and you used to think I was beautiful.”
Some poems, such as “Joe” and “Christina,” are full of pathos.
Mladinic invites his readers into a rich tapestry of memories, emotions, and reflections. For those who appreciate contemporary poetry and are seeking new voices and themes, “Maiden Rock” by Peter Mladinic would be a great choice.
