Past Lives

‘Past Lives’, by Leah Dodd, is a beautifully executed poetry collection that serves as a reflection of how we, as humans, interact with our past and how our experiences shape us as individuals. This text delves into the intense themes of femininity and the decisions we must make as we age, allowing us to question who we really are amidst our busy lifestyles. Each poem is unique in its own way, though they all connect in order to portray the underlying message of self-reflection and how, as we move toward the future, we turn our thoughts backward towards the lives we have come from.

What struck me the most was the strong feminist undertone Dodd managed to weave into every poem. She explores the highs and lows of womanhood while leaving nothing out, serving as a form of connection with her readers, making the messages of the poems direct and real.

The many references Dodd incorporates into her poems hold deep significance, as they allow each reader to connect their own experiences and perspectives to her words. One of my favourite poems from this collection is ‘muscle memory’, particularly the line:
“I find a Stevie Nicks top for $6 at Vinnies that retails for $200. I try it on but in the fitting room light. It hangs sad on my bruised body. I don’t know which clothes suit the shape of me.”

This line originally stood out to me as Stevie Nicks got a mention, and I adore her. However, as I re-read it, it is evident that she is not just using Nicks for aesthetic appeal, but as a symbol of powerful, glamorous femininity that feels out of reach. The contrast between the top that she found, which is associated with music and confidence, and the poet’s discomfort in her own skin highlights the internal struggle of body image faced by many.

It is especially important to note that this is Dodd’s first collection, with around 60 poems, demonstrating her ability to produce work of a very high quality at a young age. I look forward to seeing how she grows as a writer.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Past Lives’. It is a collection you can read in under an hour, yet the messages linger long after. I recommend this book to a wide range of ages, though I believe girls of teenage years will get the most out of what the poems have to offer, due to the central theme of female experiences and how they shape our futures.