In Barbara Knott’s third collection of poems, her relationship to nature and the natural world is exquisitely rendered, as are her relations to other humans. In these poems, erudite references find their place among the everyday—say, finding a dead beetle or watching a squirrel climb a bird feeder; her two small dogs, too, become characters in one of the highly original erotic pieces at the book’s center, and her visit to an art gallery with an elderly friend is nothing short of amazing in its references and detail. Yet, despite its accessibility, there’s not an ordinary word or image in this book. Over the years, Barbara Knott has honed a unique voice for herself, and In Every Carnation is a collection I’ll turn to again and again.
–Rosemary Daniell, award-winning author of eight books of poetry and prose, including A Sexual Tour of the Deep South (poems) and Fatal Flowers (memoir), and recipient of a tribute by the literary journal Minerva Rising in the naming of their Rosemary Daniell Fiction Prize.
Barbara Knott’s “Boxwood” is one of the most astounding poems I’ve read recently. She has a voice that can reach high notes, and I hope that like a diva she will keep on singing them. I love her work and wish her and her readers a long and wonderful love affair.
–Nikki Giovanni, author of more than twenty books of poetry who, as judge of New Millennium Writings’ Awards 28 poetry competition, chose “Boxwood” as first-prize winner.
I love reading Barbara Knott’s poetry because it refreshes the soul and challenges the mind like an afternoon spent with a witty and intelligent friend. Each poem left me feeling as if I too had known Manta and that I was better off for the experience.
–Kim Brown, Editor in Chief, Minerva Rising Literary Journal
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