Genetics

Maureen Seaton's subject is womanhood-an experience she presents as, by turns, a liturgically voluptuous sacrament and the kind of party that prompts the neighbors to call the cops. Her poems always make me feel lucky in my gender, doubly lucky in loving women. ?Carol AnshawIn Genetics, Maureen Seaton traces old roots and recipes and clears space for new ones. The experience of reading these poems is like that of savoring curry, the blending of a thing unto itself, though each spice manifests in its own sweet time. In her daring use of language, Seaton is the seasoned cook--enticing readers first with the scent of cumin and ginger dancing in oil, then the fire of chili, all, in the end, melding into a single flavor that grows and lingers in the mouth. ?Holly Iglesias.