Member-only story

Instruments of the True Measure: A Lyric Tapestry of Loss, Love, and Healing

Wade Cox

·10.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Instruments Of The True Measure: Poems (Sun Tracks 83)

4 min read

713 View Claps

71 Respond

Save

Listen

Photo Of Louise Erdrich Instruments Of The True Measure: Poems (Sun Tracks 83)

Instruments of the True Measure: Poems (Sun Tracks Book 83)

by Diana Cachey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2060 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages

Louise Erdrich's "Instruments of the True Measure" is a profoundly moving and deeply personal collection of poems that explores the complexities of loss, love, and the arduous journey towards healing. Published in 1993 as the 83rd volume in the prestigious Sun Tracks series, this collection showcases Erdrich's masterful storytelling abilities and her unwavering commitment to exploring the human condition.

Themes of Loss and Grief

Throughout "Instruments of the True Measure," loss reverberates as a central theme. Erdrich delves into the raw emotions that accompany the loss of loved ones, the disintegration of relationships, and the fading of cherished memories. In the poem "The Red Convertible," she evokes the poignant tale of a woman grappling with the loss of her husband, capturing the profound sense of absence that lingers in her daily routines:

"I drive alone now, the top down, as if I don't know what I'm ng wrong. The wind combs my hair like the fingers of his ghost, and I hear his voice in the radio announcing rain."

Erdrich's poetry provides a space for readers to acknowledge and validate their own experiences of loss. Her words offer solace and understanding, allowing those who have experienced loss to find resonance and a sense of shared empathy.

Hope Amidst Despair

While loss permeates the collection, it is not the sole focus. Erdrich also weaves threads of hope and resilience into her poems. Through her exploration of love, nature, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, she provides glimpses of light amidst the darkness. In the poem "Jacklight," she celebrates the transformative power of love:

"In the jacklight's glare, I see my face reflected in your eyes, a face I've never seen before, a face of joy and wild surmise."

Erdrich's poems remind us that even amidst profound loss, there is still room for love, connection, and healing. By embracing the beauty of the natural world and the unwavering bonds between individuals, she offers a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of grief.

The Healing Journey

"Instruments of the True Measure" is not merely about loss and grief, but also about the arduous journey of healing. Erdrich's poems explore the complexities of processing emotions, seeking solace, and finding a path forward. In the poem "The Medicine Bag," she writes:

"I carry the medicine bag of my grandmother, the one she carried with her always, filled with roots and herbs, with feathers and small stones."

The medicine bag becomes a symbol of healing and restoration, representing the accumulation of wisdom, strength, and connection to the past. Through her words, Erdrich encourages readers to seek their own sources of healing, whether through traditional practices, personal connections, or the transformative power of nature.

Louise Erdrich's "Instruments of the True Measure" is a stunning and deeply moving collection of poems that explores the complexities of loss, love, and healing with raw honesty and poetic grace. Erdrich's masterful storytelling and evocative language provide both a space for grieving and a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and recovery. By embracing the darkness and the light, "Instruments of the True Measure" serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of the written word.

Instruments of the True Measure: Poems (Sun Tracks Book 83)

by Diana Cachey

5 out of 5