Passerby, Emily Axelrod, 2016

The first volume of poetry by this local Cambridge architect and urban planner turned poet.  She writes about relationships, travel, her Maine home and California roots in a straightforward and accessible way—no vague similes or allegories here.  I particularly liked her poem about marriage, “Married”:  Today’s paper,/still cold from the porch,/lies open on the table/with half a grapefruit,/succulent pink meat/cut from the rind,/a tender offering./I sit and listen/as you read aloud/from the morning news,/moving us into the coming day.  A fine new addition to Cambridge poets.