when the daffodils die

when the daffodils die, the debut publication of Darah Schillinger, includes an assortment of poems exploring love, loss, and the self. Within the pages are various references to the wonders of nature, providing her readers with the tangible to describe intangible feelings. From wintery landscapes to cloudy skies and yellow summer days, Darah wields her poetry within when the daffodils die to bring her readers on a journey through their (and her) relationship with themselves and with those they choose to surround themselves with. Young love, a mother's love, self-love, spiritual love, all encompassing love. Her willingness to write about the many facets of love and the way she challenges both herself and the long-standing truths within society about women and their place within the world makes this collection of poetry one of courage, defiance, and an appreciation for the overlooked things in life.

The book ends gracefully with the title poem, "the daffodils die," as the daffodils crumple into the soil, not because they signify the end or death. Rather, the daffodils represent life and rebirth at the beginning of spring. Like the daffodils dying, everything in life is cyclical. When things end, other things begin, which is why this is the perfect ending to a debut book. And the start of a new adventure for Darah, who just graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland.