Review by Katie Baker
– Coffee shops are considered diverse gathering places, establishments where all walks of life, both young and old, come to read, write, congregate and socialize- and most importantly, get their coffee fix. However, one forgets the importance of the ritual cup when they begin to read Ellaraine Lockie’s chapbook, Coffee House Confessions. The chapbook features poems written in and about coffee houses around the world, from the infamous Starbucks chain to more intimate settings in exotic locations in Italy and Portugal.
Each poem is truly observant and one feels the depths of each character, no matter how small of a role they play in that particular piece. I felt more inspired to become more observant of a place, of people, even objects, after reading her poems. Though at times the tone feels “heavier,” it in no way takes anything away from the eloquent prose. I was also drawn to the interesting point of view some of the poems incorporate.
Yet, what makes these poems in this chapbook unique is Lockie’s ability to connect- connect the reader to a place, a person (or people) and to materials through her writing. She creatively takes normal human behavior, mundane human interactions and creates beautifully crafted poems out of the occurrences. More, she is able to get her characters to confess an aspect of themselves, through words and actions.
Lockie has a unique talent in being able to observe without intruding, to even play along albeit with subtle humor, and become part of the story without becoming overwhelming to the reader. In the seemingly ordinary details of the coffee houses, we find extraordinary prose, clever and witty. One of my favorite examples of this comes from her poem, “Travel Writer”:
He scans my face,
as I sit at a Starbucks table
Stockbroker in a Silicon Valley sui
Finishes his cell phone services with I love you
Then looks up my skirt
I fix eyes colder than iced coffee
on his two faces
Her chapbook is refreshing, full of vibrant imagery. Each poem offers a humorous, poignant, and creative escape into the life of the coffee house.
Ellaraine Lockie’s Coffee House Confessions
Publisher: Silver Birch Press, 2013
Number of pages: 43, perfect bound
ISBN:-13:978-0615727677
Price: $10
Katie Baker received her MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from Rosemont College. She enjoys reading, writing, and running, though not all at the same time. She currently teaches writing courses at Philadelphia University, Rosemont College, and Thomas Jefferson University. Most recently, her work has been featured in The Rusty Nail literary magazine. She lives in Philadelphia, PA and co-runs a small writing business (www.penandinkwriting.com)