"...That trees and gardens might be sites of restoration is the sincere wish of the author, but also the artist: as an illustrated guide, Leaves of Absence positions each of Wiseman’s poems with a painting by Deskins. The best adjective for how I would describe Deskins paintings is “lush.” Opposite Wiseman’s poems, Deskins paintings are not always paintings of trees—in fact, some are what I would call abstract; yet, their “lushness” in color and the wide swaths of Deskins’ brushstrokes suggests the leafiness of trees and the experience of standing beneath a wash of color, pierced by varying degrees of sun and shade. Side-by-side with the poems, the paintings provide a duality of experience reminiscent of reading poems beneath branches canopying grass. It is a chapbook that will no doubt encourage your affection..."
Very thoughtful review by Beth McDermott!
