Bellingham poet borrows, deconstructs, reinvents

“Once Removed” by Nancy Pagh

For the past few weeks, I have been tussling with the poems in “Once Removed,” the latest poetry collection by Nancy Pagh. I am a bit hesitant to write a review at this point, because I feel I have only scratched the surface of these complicated poems. But with April stretching out in front of us as National Poetry Month, I thought this could help start things off with a jolt — no simpering celebration of poetic treacle here, but a high-octane kick in the teeth.

Pagh is a well-regarded poet and author who is based in Bellingham and teaches at Western Washington University. She also participates widely in reading series and workshops all over the country.

“Once Removed” is her third published volume of poetry. Presented in three sections, it is a work of audacious wordplay.