Absolutely Always offers a touching, immersive look at how love fills a home and the ways it can be organized and examined. It's the second collection of poetry from Portland poet and linguist, Erin Clarke, following up her debut chapbook, (Im)perfect Blooms . With this small collection, the author explores moments and years of love with her husband and two young sons, while also recognizing her own place in the world and the ways she's learned to love herself. Erin's voice is playful and honest, ever optimistic, studying her life with the curiosity of a philosopher and scientist, reminding us that we are just squishy dream things in a magical world. From the quiet contentment of sharing a partner's company that feels like "relieved molten freedom"to an ode to blisters as "participation awards*",* Erin guides us through a world of gratitudes, where struggles persist, but love is enough, absolutely always.