If Adam Picked the Apple
Danielle Coffyn
Pushcart Prize-winning poet Danielle Coffyn’s (@daniellecoffyn) collection, “If Adam Picked the Apple” is where accessible poetry meets profound craft and metaphor.
Originally hailing from Belgium and now residing in St. Louis, Missouri, Coffyn blends her cultural background with her perspectives on the challenges faced by women today. From the complexities of aging and body image to the nuances of relationships and the weight of patriarchy, this collection invites readers to explore their own narratives through her relatable vulnerability.
Coffyn’s poetry resonates with anyone navigating the intricate landscape of womanhood, delivering gut-punching truths wrapped in stunning imagery. Her work reflects the journey of self-discovery and healing, making it a perfect companion for those seeking solace and empowerment. In her poignant verses, readers will find echoes of their own experiences, as Coffyn masterfully captures the highs and lows of modern life.
With titles that challenge conventions and provoke thought, If Adam Picked the Apple is a celebration of resilience.
There would be a parade,
a celebration,
a holiday to commemorate
the day he sought enlightenment.
We would not speak of
temptation by the devil, rather,
we would laud Adam’s curiosity,
his desire for adventure
and knowing.
We would feast
on apple-inspired fare:
tortes, chutneys, pancakes, pies.
There would be plays and songs
reenacting his courage.
But it was Eve who grew bored,
weary of her captivity in Eden.
And a woman’s desire
for freedom is rarely a cause
for celebration.
“Words and phrases that appear often in this collection - such as ‘satiated,’ ‘take up space,’ ‘laugh lines,’ ‘valley,’ ‘canyon’ and so on - recur for a good reason: thematic integrity, of which this collection has a great deal. I like very much that the last poems of the collection develop a crescendo of urgency… Coffyn knows that there is nothing “free” about free verse, that line length and stanza divisions are of critical importance. I appreciate that immensely, and readers will too.”