Second Skin

Sheila Martindale is poetry editor of Canadian Author and Bookman and
the author of No Greater Love.

Jeanne Marie de Moissac dedicates this collection to her children, but
much of the subject matter and imagery is of the adults-only variety.
From graphic descriptions of genitalia, through disturbing images of
group sex, to violence as an aphrodisiac, these poems are not for the
squeamish or faint-hearted. That is not to say they are poorly written:
de Moissac has a deft hand and a sure touch. There is a surreal quality
to some of the poems, while others are perfect gems of clarity. There
are hints of Native Canadian stories and characters, and much reference
to the Earth in all its seasons. The prairie, with its extremes of
climate, becomes almost a character in its own right.

De Moissac is at her best when pondering her pioneer ancestors,
particularly her grandmother and particularly when she is gardening.
There is a lovely poem about her sisters playing the piano, where she
describes their hands as “two halves of apples, cut neatly / starred
core pentacled with seeds.” The poet writes well about the psychology
of relationships: there is wonderful tension and balance in her poems
“Hooked” and “Warrior.” All in all, a powerful and passionate
collection.