Book Review – The Well of the Moon (Elizabeth Rimmer)

“The poet

is always the chance apprentice

sucking his clumsy thumb

scarred, accidental, listening.”

Elizabeth Rimmer, ‘Burnedthumb’, The Well of the Moon

The Well of the Moon is an intimate invitation into the deeply personal relationship between poet and nature. Written by Elizabeth Rimmer whose unique insight and observations of the world around her, acknowledge and give thanks to those who have come before, and give particular praise to the powerful women of the past.

“Women have always stitched their hearts

into their cloth, each stab and gather and tuck

drawing a line of colour that circles and strays

and pulls together the fabric of their lives.”

Elizabeth Rimmer, ‘Stitched’, The Well of the Moon

Rimmer’s astute observations of the smallest, and often overlooked details of nature create an almost irreverent tone which is used to trivialise and dismiss the attempts of humanity in their insignificant attempts to control the uncontrollable. Yet, where society as a collective force seem of little significance The Well of the Moon is a gentle but firm reminder of those who have come before us. The matriarchs and maternal influences of life are lamented and lauded in equal measure.

“I am not as old as I need to be

to watch the generations rise and fall

like waves sweeping down

to this sea, wilder than I remember it.”

Elizabeth Rimmer, ‘Old Enough’, The Well of the Moon

Rimmer seems aware and at peace with her own place within nature, a keeper of her own personal lore which she shares without shame. Colour and vivid imagery come together to transcend the written word. Like a slowly evolving dance each poem, though unique, flows from one to another with an ease and grace as gentle as a breeze rippling through a field of grass until it swells like a viridian ocean. The overall effect is like a spotlight which brings into focus the smallest details that a casual observer may miss, sharing a story that would otherwise go unheard. 

“Spring comes singing in the morning,

hatches eggs and frogspawn, and opens

the wintered heart to a brightening dawn.”

Elizabeth Rimmer, ‘After the Dark Months’, The Well of the Moon

The Well of the Moon like the world around us is dynamic, dramatic and detail rich. Transcending time like the cycle of the seasons reminding us not just of what has been, but of that which is yet to come.


About the Author:

Elizabeth Rimmer is a poet, editor and occasional translator who is widely published in magazines and online. Elizabeth lives in my home town of Stirling. You can see more of her work and stay updated on new projects by visiting her website: BurnedThumb

Other Works by Elizabeth Rimmer:


The Well of the Moon: Available Now on BurnedThumb.

Happy Writing. Stay Safe. Stay Distracted.

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