Book Review: Al Khemia Poetica Blog

Ann Tweedy’s “Beleaguered Oasis”

By Marie C. Lecrivain

In the past 18 months, I’ve discovered, and with great pleasure, published the work of poet and human rights advocate Ann Tweedy, who, in my opinion, needs to be read by every poet and lover of poetry in the world right now. While I’m more familiar with her recent work, it was a joy to dive into her chapbook Beleaguered Oasis (© 2020), reissued by Seven Kitchen Press, as part of their ReBound Series.

Beleaguered Oasis contains fifteen gorgeous poems, divided into three sections . . . .

The lyrical and compact quality of the poems in Beleaguered Oasis are what make it an unforgettable gem.

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Book Review: Bi Women Quarterly

Review: Beleaguered Oases by Ann Tweedy

By Lena Judith Drake

When I received my review copy of Ann Tweedy’s Beleaguered Oases, I sincerely hoped that I would enjoy the poetry, because did not want to write a scathing critique. I was not disappointed. In fact, I devoured these beleaguered poems while furiously taking notes about my future review on the back of the oversized index card sent with the copy of the book.

These are good poems. Very, very good poems. Divided into three sections, “The Body,” “Many Oases,” and “Immersed,” these poems describe bodies and landscapes in complex relationships through honest details. Yes, some of these are nature poems, but not maudlin depictions of grassy knolls and birds twittering. This is nature—more like human nature, which just might be animal nature. This is clear in the depictions of small moments in sexuality, like in “Newts” and “Licking the Glue.”

The poems are a much-needed addition to the community of bisexual/fluid-sexual writing.

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