Auto-immune diseases are often overlooked and ignored in a society that values physical health, fitness, and the pursuit of perfection. We are constantly bombarded with images of unattainable beauty and the importance of being fit, which can make those struggling with health issues feel invisible. Molly Spencer’s collection of poems, titled “Hinge,” sheds light on the experience of living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that is commonly referred to as the “wolf” within.

An Ongoing Present Tense

In “Hinge,” Spencer takes us on a journey of uncertainty and fear as she navigates the challenges of motherhood, work, and the search for answers. The poems create suspense by not revealing the physical ailment right away, allowing us to experience the same uncertainty and confusion that Spencer herself goes through. The poems beautifully blend mythological and clinical voices, creating a sense of timelessness and the feeling of being held captive by unseen forces.

The Mythic and the Gendered

Spencer explores the gendered aspects of the mythic in her poems. In “Survival Guide for the Girl Trying to Avoid Capture,” danger is feminized in the idyllic setting of an orchard, where knowledge becomes the girl’s source of strength. In “Picture of the Sun,” the sun is compared to God and is seen as warm and reliable, creating a sense of comfort. The absence of the word “singe” in the poem creates a powerful echo, hinting at the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface.

The “Patient” Body

In the poem “Patient Years,” Spencer reflects on the tension between being patient as a virtue and being treated as a clinical object. The second person address creates a sense of ongoing waiting, as the clinical body is subjected to endless tests and diagnoses. The narrative speaks of a ladder of bones and blanks on a lit screen, highlighting the dehumanizing nature of the medical system.

Innocence and Privilege

Spencer explores the concept of innocence as both a form of good fortune and privilege in her poems. In “How to Lure the Wolf,” innocence is presented as something unknown yet fortunate. The poet uses rhymes, alliteration, and repetition to create a sense of safety and familiarity within the unknown. However, innocence can also be seen as a lure, a false promise that can lead to danger.

The House as Metaphor

The house is a recurring metaphor throughout Spencer’s poems, symbolizing both safety and threat. In “First House,” the poet reflects on the relation between houses and female bodies, highlighting the tension between safety and horror. The house becomes a place of memories and nursery rhymes, keeping the past alive and instilling a sense of fear. The mention of cracks in the poem evokes superstitions and the idea of things falling apart.

These powerful and evocative poems invite readers to reflect on their own experiences and the hidden struggles they may face. Spencer’s exploration of identity, gender, and the resilience of the human spirit resonates deeply. “Hinge” is a collection that will leave a lasting impact, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is strength and hope.

[Published by Southern Illinois University Press on October 20, 2020, 96 pages, $16.95 paperback. A volume in the Crab Orchard Poetry Series.]

Sources: “The Poem Makes the Mind Possible” (BOMB, August 26, 2020)

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