Milking the Earth by Perie Longo (review)

Reviews BRIEF NOTICES 275 Longo, Perie. Milking the Earth. (P.O. Box 21922 / Santa Barbara, California 93131: John Daniel, Publisher, 1986. 67 pages, $7.50.) These poems by Santa Barbara writer Perie Longo contain much of importance to women: fathers, mothers, lovers, children, and self are the subjects of such poems as “How Old I Am,” “Toward Taos Without Cam­ era,” and “Southern Belle.” But many of her poems are based on broader, nature-oriented themes— such as “Hawk,” “The Condor,” and Waterfall.” Even to these, however, she brings a personal viewpoint. Although those who revere nature poetry may cringe at the “human” intrusion, I think that Longo’s insistence on including her authorial stance in the poems is honest— after all, she was a part of the experience in the first place. Admittedly, Longo needs to develop her writing more. But she has gone far already, as these poems reveal. CHARLOTTE M. WRIGHT Utah State University Quillen, Rita Sims. October Dusk. (P.O. Box 249 / Big Timber, Montana 59011: Seven Buffaloes Press, 1986. 26 pages, $5.00.) Rose, Dorothy. Dustbowl Okie Exodus. (P.O. Box 249 / Big Timber, Mon­ tana 59011: Seven Buffaloes Press, 1987. 26 pages, $6.75.) These two latest offerings from Seven Buffaloes Press reflect publisher Art Cuelho’s commitment to cataloging rural America as seen through the eyes of its poets. Some, like Dorothy Rose, lack formal schooling. Her poems are stark, emotional; the stories she tells of traveling from Oklahoma to Cali­ fornia with her family and adjusting to life in that state are filled with all the confused pain children feel when they are unjustly taunted. Other poets, like Rita Sims Quillen, have managed to obtain B.A.’s, M.A.’sand even win poetry awards. But the “rural” subject matter, tone, and viewpoint still pervade her poems. I like poems like “The Marys,” “Meeting House,” and “Nexus,” which deal with rural/natural themes, yet speak in an elegant voice. Libraries inter­ ested in collecting folklore of rural America, especially the Appalachian coun­ try and the Mid-west, should get in touch with Art Cuelho, who is doing so much to preserve the old-time flavor before it disappears. CHARLOTTE M. WRIGHT Utah State University ...