Colleen Alles

Porch Light to the Longshoreman Colleen Alles

In a series of brave little poems, "Porch Light to the Longshoreman" brings to life what it means to be out in the world, having adventure, but being ultimately called back by the porch light of one's own home. The emotional interior of life in the Midwest is central to this collection. Some poems, like "Reeds Lake" highlight specific areas in West Michigan. Others speak to the challenges of having young children, or needy dogs to walk. All in all, this collection speaks to the every day as much as it speaks to the broad, collective scope of what it means to have life, love, and family.