How Memories Insist: Poems

This book of poems in twelve chapters by Mirna Hirschl presents an intimate, evocative memoir of the author's own remarkable life. Through the supple medium of poetry, Hirschl provides a revealing and nuanced rendering of her life experiences beginning in Croatia during the World War Two and Communist Yugoslavia, followed by immigrating to the United States with her husband; they settled in New York State where they raised a family, and later in the San Francisco Bay Area where she currently lives.

The poet brings to life multiple layers of time and place sharing with the reader her close relationship with her family and community, her fascination with art and history inspired and informed by extensive travel and a strong interest in languages. More than a memoir, the book is a valuable historical document with personal insights and wisdom -- a testament to the experience of loss, longing, and survival in her own words -- showing us the richness and power that poetry alone can provide.

I shall bounce again

on dry land

and draw

the strength

from simplicity of

a wild trillium