In his second book <strong>Symmetry</strong> Marc J. Straus an oncologist as well as a poet addresses the hopes and the tragedies of his profession. The work i... » 

In his second book Symmetry Marc J. Straus an oncologist as well as a poet addresses the hopes and the tragedies of his profession. The work is both acommentary on his experience in the medical field and a collection of richvivid monologues written from the patients point of view. These poems havebeen composed with a rare sensitivity not only toward those who are sufferingbut toward those particulars that distinguish each life some poignant somesweetly comical.Straus exercises a fresh versatility in this collection. Repetition anhonest and personal reflection cleverly bends through past and present. Itsdetails are carefully chosenwhen I was five the world looked green from behind my handlebars.Le Mas de Luberon with its sensuous language and rueful tone is a gem inthe tradition of Stephen Dobyns stretch my legs after a midday meal freshmorels a succulent lamb ragout. As the sun slants over the square MonsieurBouchon opens the orange awning. One could cook bread on the cobblestones hesays.Symmetry lays bare the desires the faith and the heartbreak found in everyhuman heart. «