So Often the Pitcher Goes to Water Until it Breaks

by Rigoberto González

Rigoberto Gonzalez writes with a clarity of the senses that pulls the reader into a marvelous and unfamiliar world. The sidewalk preacher, the umbrella salesman, the nurse on the graveyard shift, the professional mourner - all allow Gonzalez a clandestine glimpse of their lives. Crackling with the dry electricity of the desert and flashing with the brilliant colors of Mexico, Gonzalez's poems are rooted in the fertile soil beneath poverty's dust, the border's violence, and longing's desolation.

Genres: Poetry

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Superstition Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

González skillfully interweaves themes of heritage, religion, culture, longing, death, and decay into darkly beautiful contemplations on existence; his intense lyricism and stark imagery bring these themes to another level of understanding. To borrow from González’ own words, they are “images unloosened, settled back in her skull, urging her mouth ajar.”


Much of his poetic compilation is centered around characters and events in the region of Michoacán, Mexico; González’ vivid depictions of family members, friends, small towns, marketplaces, cultural observances, and legends bring us right into the moment of his philosophy, such as the familial yearning behind “the men whose names trickled down to thirst inside their mothers’ mouths.”


However, González also provides edgy social commentary on the cultural-crossover of immigrant workers, saying, “These are the men from México’s boot, the ones who fell out from the hole in its bottom…They come to live like loose change in a country that drops its pennies and leaves them there.”


In its entirety, González’ collection showcases his ability to turn language and metaphor into “explosions bright as fireworks without sound, yet loud enough to call us out.” He extracts unspoken sentiments in the form of precisely calculated techniques that give us the illusion of surrealism and dreams. His collection makes us think hard about our relationships, our place in the world, and the balance between life and death, joy and despair—that line which we walk on so precariously during our existence.


It’s a great read for anyone who likes striking meditations and wonderfully imaginative lyricism.


by Carly Corderman

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Rigoberto Gonzalez's work through "Other Fugitives, Other Strangers," which I did not fully appreciate at the time. A few years later, I read this book. Wow. I was and continue to be blown away by Gonzalez's use of imagery. It's so unique and haunting. His imagery is certainly dark, but hey, sad is happy for deep people (ok, I'll stop making nerdy Dr. Who references now). I highly recommended this book of verse!

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

the rating is not a reflection on Rigoberto, who is a fine poet, but my general lack of enthusiasm for most poetry.

[paulA neves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been lucky to have Rigoberto as one of my teachers. This first collection of his poems, loosely bound by a personal and cultural narrative, is musical, incisive, and heartbreaking.

[Jon Pineda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection!