The Maze of Diane Lockward’s Temptation by Water

Diane Lockward’s collection of poems, Temptation by Water, takes readers on a journey through a maze of sorrows and delights. Just as life doubles back on itself, giving the joy of french fries with the regret of trans fats, Lockward delivers the necessity of dualities in this fine book. Even as the persona loses her husband and youth, the voice never preferences sadness over the pleasure of listening to bird song. The subject matter of the book is heavy, but the language is playful. It is an ocean garden of textures.