Body into Earth

<i>Body into Earth</i> is a testament to a time and place an era that spanned the removal of the Cherokee from the North Georgia Mountains to the beginnings of our modern time of science technology and skepticism. The poems describe an older world where mankind is in harmony with nature and the phases of the moon and the alignment of the constellations offer a guiding light along the pathways of rural life of a half century ago.<p>Easter Ramps<p>... a wild onion Allium tricocum of eastern North America ... eaten raw or used as a flavoring in cooked foods.<p>―Webster's Dictionary<p>Half breed Indian and mountain man<br> lead the way down the Bald.<br> Quickly they scramble over rock<br> and winter debris. Quietly <br>I follow.<p>Near a mile high<br>below rock cliffs and ivy thicket<br>steep mountains slope to coves<br>and patches of green<br>in springtide.<p>On the mountainside we sit<br>break cornbread and boiled egg<br>and eat ramps. We talk<br>about signs as buck gnats swarm<br>and bite.<p>I can taste ramp smell<br>upon teeth and tongue. God<br>knows it takes something strong<br>to course through the blood<br>and purify.<p>The morrow is Easter resurrection<br>day. In visions of Christ's coming<br>the mountains seem sanctuary:<br>hands outstretched hold<br>Holy fire.<p>Blurb for <i>Body into Earth</i> by John Cantey Knight<p>Though sectioned by the zodiac's elemental signs it is the earth's fullness and plowed beginnings that hold John Cantey Knight rapt in this debut collection. Poems wry precise and alert explore communities of self and nature their uneasy covenant and mysteries. Preoccupied by light surrounded by the night he tromps along valley and vista reminding us that even amid the creek-fed garden serpents abound. We are haloed by southern Appalachia's lexicon of mountain habitation and inhabitant the winter cresses not like nary another green ... the year's first purifying tonic. Whether our lives are purified by blessing or fallen angels Knight's vision is expansive enough to gather the tart goodness of both equally the hunter as the hunted each finding solace and renewal in his words' flaming thicket. <p>-Linda Parsons Marion<br>Now & Then Magazine and author of two collections of poems: Home Fires and Mother Land.