Confusion is the part of life that many want to ignore. Religious zealots desire to “cast it out.” Some humans who choose secular living embrace chaos in an attempt to prove the unknown is nothing to fear. In Fog and Smoke, Katie Peterson uses nature and the restrictions implemented during the pandemic in 2020 to delve into the notion of turmoil.
Beginning With Nature
Peterson begins her collection of poems with fog. She appears to speak about the dangers associated with heavy fog. It soon becomes clear to the reader, however, that the author is talking about more than bad weather.
Through her exploration of nature and the effects of wildfire season in California, Katie Peterson presents a perspective that invites the reader to consider the possibility of the world being deeply connected. Rain is not just rain. Bad fog is not just something that occurs in the Bay Area. There are causes and effects at play that ultimately shape the way we see and experience the world. Peterson’s work connects the dots.
Into The Pandemic
In addition to connecting dots in society, Peterson’s collection of poems also takes us into her life as a mom during the worldwide pandemic in 2020. The third section of Fog and Smoke is devoted to the author’s attempts to navigate a tumultuous time in which she must serve as a teacher, parent, and everything else her daughter needs without much help from the outside world.
The author addresses the devastation of the period in her second-to-last piece. Peterson does not shy away from the effects caused by the death of so many individuals in the United States within a year. She instead leans into the feelings of bewilderment experienced by many in 2020.
Who Is This Book For?
Fog and Smoke by Katie Peterson may be a great option for those who enjoy poetry that uses nature to convey messages about the human condition. You may not appreciate the author’s style if you prefer creative writing that is more straightforward.