Date of Award
5-1-2016
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Creative Writing
First Advisor
Jordon, Judy
Abstract
This collection moves chronologically through the events surrounding the Taylor Bridge Fire. In beginning with a series of poems about a time when the speaker worked at Dairy Queen, this speaker’s connection to the landscape becomes apparent, and, as the fire takes center stage, the speaker becomes more of an observer and commentator. The second section begins with the sonnet sequence that I visualized as being an aftermath of the fire. For instance, these fires begin at the close of summer, and by winter, the area is not getting any snow, which means more dry conditions and more drought in the future. Ultimately, the fire drives many animals out of the valley, and, to a certain extent, the speaker is motivated to leave as well because of the destruction. Her departure is an important element of her relationship to her familiar landscape. She leaves, but not really. The last two poems in this collection circle both the reader and speaker back to fire and to the Kittitas Valley.
Access
This thesis is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.