Poetry. Here are the private musings of a seasoned poet, most often over domestic realities uttered matter-of-factly, Barry Wallenstein writes. However, these lyrics are elevated into a poetry of metaphoric potential. HOUSE AND HOME, Ratner's first full-length collection in twelve years, is definitely worth waiting for. These poems chart the poet's course as she moves from the city to a country house, from the country to a new apartment and a new relationship, trying to hold life and career in balance. As Rochelle Owens says, The writing's great virtue is its physicality of place and time-a fusion of word and map of nature drawn by a uniquely original poet. Ratner, Executive Editor of The American Book Review, has published two novels and thirteen books of poetry.