Good Bones

"Good Bones," the anthology that captivated audiences online in 2017, presents contemporary poetry reflecting the world we inhabit. Authored by Maggie Smith, it delves into themes of memory and destiny, life and mortality, as well as themes of childhood and parenthood. Inspired by her experiences as a mother, Smith captures how children interpret the world naively, akin to opening a book for the first time, unaware of its characters or plotlines. With a discerning perspective, she examines the often grim realities surrounding us, persistently seeking out the underlying goodness—qualities such as compassion, empathy, and integrity. She reassures us with the message, "There is a light, and the light is good." Smith unveils the complexities of our surroundings through her lyrical expression and vivid imagery: "For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird. / For every loved child, a child broken, bagged, / sunk in a lake." Her poems confront the darkness while fostering hope and engaging with the broader world. The collection leaves readers optimistic about creating a better world to share with future generations. As Smith suggests in "Good Bones," "This place could be beautiful, right? You could make this place beautiful."