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Split Horizon Thomas Lux

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By Thomas Lux

Thomas Lux's Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, "Split Horizon," is a profound and evocative exploration of the complexities of human emotion, the inevitability of loss, and the haunting presence of the unseen. Through a series of interconnected poems, Lux delves into the intimate spaces of love, grief, and the longing for connection, capturing the raw and unvarnished essence of the human experience.

The Split Horizon: A Metaphor for Life's Ambiguities

The title of the collection, "Split Horizon," alludes to an optical phenomenon experienced by pilots, where the horizon appears to be divided into two distinct parts due to atmospheric conditions. This metaphor serves as a poignant representation of the existential dilemmas and uncertainties that pervade the human condition.

Split Horizon

by Thomas Lux

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	594 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

Just as the split horizon creates a sense of disorientation and challenges our perception of reality, so too does life present us with moments of ambiguity and contradiction. The poems in this collection explore these complexities, delving into the paradoxes of joy and sorrow, presence and absence, and the longing for both connection and solitude.

Love and Loss: A Delicate Dance

Love is a central theme throughout "Split Horizon," celebrated in all its passionate, consuming, and ultimately transient nature. Lux portrays the ecstasy of newfound love, the heart-wrenching pain of loss, and the enduring legacy of those we have loved and lost.

In "The Cradle," Lux writes with a raw and tender vulnerability about the loss of a child, exploring the depths of grief and the longing for what could have been. The poem begins with a haunting image of a cradle that remains "empty except for the wind," underscoring the profound sense of absence that lingers in the wake of loss.

In contrast, "The New Room" captures the intoxicating intensity of a new love, where the world seems transformed and possibilities are endless. Lux's language is vibrant and sensual, evoking the heady rush of emotions that accompany the burgeoning of love.

The Haunting Presence of the Unseen

Throughout "Split Horizon," the unseen exerts a palpable presence, influencing the lives of the characters and creating a sense of both wonder and trepidation. Lux explores the boundaries between the tangible and intangible, suggesting that there are forces at play beyond our comprehension.

In "The Waiting Room," a hospital room becomes a liminal space where the boundaries between life and death blur. The speaker grapples with the unseen presence of their dying father, whose spirit seems to hover nearby, waiting patiently for the inevitable.

Similarly, "The Ginkgo Tree" depicts an ancient tree that serves as a silent witness to the passage of time and the generations that have come and gone. The tree's gnarled roots and weathered bark speak to the unseen forces that shape our lives and connect us to the past.

The Search for Meaning and Connection

In the face of loss and uncertainty, the characters in "Split Horizon" seek meaning and connection in the most unexpected places. Lux explores the transformative power of art, nature, and the shared human experience.

In "The Museum," a man seeks solace in the timeless beauty of art, finding solace and inspiration in the works of the masters. The poem suggests that art can provide a lifeline, connecting us to the past and offering a sense of continuity in the face of our own ephemerality.

Nature, too, plays a significant role in "Split Horizon." In "The Pond," the speaker finds respite and renewal in the tranquil beauty of a woodland pond. The poem captures the restorative power of the natural world, its ability to soothe the troubled soul and inspire a sense of wonder.

A Poetry of Witness and Compassion

"Split Horizon" is a powerful and moving collection of poems that bear witness to the complexities of human existence. Through his evocative language and unflinching exploration of life's joys and sorrows, Thomas Lux captures the raw and unvarnished essence of the human experience.

The collection invites us to confront our own mortality, to embrace the profound beauty of the unseen, and to search for meaning and connection in all its unexpected forms. "Split Horizon" is a testament to the transformative power of poetry, its ability to illuminate the darkest corners of our hearts and offer a glimmer of hope in the face of life's uncertainties.

Thomas Lux's "Split Horizon" is a masterpiece of contemporary American poetry. Through its exploration of love, loss, and the haunting presence of the unseen, the collection provides a profound meditation on the human condition. Lux's evocative language and unflinching honesty create a powerful and deeply moving reading experience that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.

Split Horizon

by Thomas Lux

4.7 out of 5