benediction for a black swan: poems Paperback – June 2, 2015

Like a wine or cognac savored at full maturation, still redolent of grapes and sunshine, these joyous, sensual poems encompass frank enjoyment of all the beauty, transgressive or not, that a fully lived life has to offer. Enthusiastic and wistful without sentimentality, Zollars’ memories of dancing and loving in the embracing, if dangerous, community of artists, are never bitter or self-pitying. The poet is celebrating her experiences as ultimately nurturing, burying her face in decades of fallen petals, evoking a warm appreciation of past glory, past relationships, and past loves. Perhaps Zollars has regrets—but she does not regret having lived vividly.A worthwhile distillation from that life: the only way to be saved in this world is to love from “rosary”The poems have a fearless quality—even when she acknowledges darkness, whether her own or others’, it is met full-on. Mistakes may have been made, but they are recorded without rancor or shame—and even her errors exude an aromatic, floral enchantment. Zollars is her own redemption.A barrage of rich sensory effects and colorful descriptions ornament the whole of the book, filling it with flowers, food, beautiful dresses, and all the deceptive attractions of sex and alcohol. It is impressive that many poems draw upon interactions with others and give them credence—there is a good-natured extroversion involved in dispensing with the too-common navel-gazing focus on only the poet's own emotional experience.There is reckless, combative joy here, generously giving as good as she got back to the reader. Delicious fruity, floral aromas and a solid body. We recommend it with dessert, or to celebrate.—F.J. Bergmann for bookreview.com

Mimi Zollars’ writing was a surprise to me. I was attracted to the book’s cover…dark, luscious, sensuous… tactile, feels like a raven-colored rose petal. And so it is with her writing. It sits at my bedside and I dip in to her world a poem at a time to release the day. The reading feels indulgent. She weaves a voluptuous mystical thread through longing and loss and light, touching sacred things. Her imagination is riveting as she unravels a scene. She is unflinchingly present. The sparse text is distilled to its most potent…deceptively simple, even light on the page, yet revealing and honest. This is a gorgeous gift for yourself and others. I’m so happy to have found it. Such a gem!

I am not a poetry expert - anything beyond Emily Dickenson and Hugh Prather and I'm lost - but I found Zollars' words to be poignant and familiar. There is beauty in simplicity, and what I like about her writing is that it says much without trying too hard. Authenticity speaks to me, and that is what you'll find in this collection.

Now this is poetry! Hauntingly romantic and sensual "Benediction for a Black Swan" led me around the world to exotic streets, cities and countries. With it’s smooth rhythmic phrases it’s not surprising that Zollars was trained as a dancer as well as a writer. Her voluptuous rich language caught my breath many times as I read and the pauses, designated by spaces instead of commas, gave me a chance to recover before I moved on again. This is a poetry collection I will keep in my bedside table to read over and over before falling to sleep in hopes of igniting my dreams.

I bought this book out of obligation because her children and my grandchildren were friends for a long time. I was surprised when I started reading it, I could not stop until the end. Mimi this is so beautifully written! As I am the child of an alcoholic who was a poet never published...it was so poignant . This benediction is so touching, it is the rebirth of fantastic writer! Please write more! I recommend this book for anyone who loves poetry that bares the soul and touches the heart. This book does both and I am so glad I bought it.

To use Mimi's own language, her poetry shimmers. Her words are beautiful and ethereal. This dancer turned poet is fearless in exploring her personal demons and her intimate soul. Her courage takes my breath away! Her words create beautiful pictures in the readers soul and inspire one to live more deeply, more richly, more true to oneself. There is freedom in her words and even her suffering is like beauty rising out of ashes. They say a picture paints a thousand words, but with Mimi, a few magnanimous words paint a picture the reader will deeply drink of.

This collection of poems transported me to gorgeous, sensual world. This book can be lingered over, re-read and then read again. Mimi Zollars' language and imagery are unexpected and meaningful in a way that stands apart from others. It stayed with me long after reading. I will enjoy gifting this book to my friends who are fans of poetry, and to those who would enjoy a lovely introduction.

This lovely, often disturbing collection resonates deeply; even the placement of the words across the white pages is poetry. Each poem is well constructed and controlled while remaining honest, insightful, and unpretentious. The title poem is at once lush and crushingly stark. My favorite is The Beautiful Bridge Did Fall, and Bleeding Edge is the perfect ending. Read slowly, savor, repeat.