I love the moment when I suddenly realize that I'm reading a book for the first time. A masterclass of short form poetry.I love the moment when I suddenly realize that I'm reading a book for the first time. A masterclass of short form poetry....more
Although I am impressed with the depth of allusions in "The Waste Land," I can't pretend to properly understand the poem. This attempt was not helped Although I am impressed with the depth of allusions in "The Waste Land," I can't pretend to properly understand the poem. This attempt was not helped by the chaos of footnotes and endnotes dispersed throughout the book. I liked "Journey of the Magi" the best - quite possibly because it only had one footnote....more
A pleasant little summary of forms, including: tanka, haiga, renga, haibun, and senryu. The author includes lots of historic and modern examples, whicA pleasant little summary of forms, including: tanka, haiga, renga, haibun, and senryu. The author includes lots of historic and modern examples, which were enjoyable....more
It's always fascinating to read poetry that draws from a cultural history that's unfamiliar to me. Of course, you don't need to be an expert in NativeIt's always fascinating to read poetry that draws from a cultural history that's unfamiliar to me. Of course, you don't need to be an expert in Native American history and culture to appreciate the craft choices, but I definitely appreciated Harjo's "Notes" section in the back....more
I've got to admit: this book sometimes was a bit over my head. That said, I deeply appreciated the vast selection of examples included in the text. AnI've got to admit: this book sometimes was a bit over my head. That said, I deeply appreciated the vast selection of examples included in the text. And I sort of love that Ciardi did not pull punches when he thought something didn't work in a poem. I believe you can learn a lot from great poetry, but it's also really helpful to see clear examples of mistakes....more
Genuinely a pleasure to read. Honestly, I wish I'd written it, and I think everyone should write their own collection with essays about the poems theyGenuinely a pleasure to read. Honestly, I wish I'd written it, and I think everyone should write their own collection with essays about the poems they love just for the joy of self-discovery. None of ours will be as lovely as Pádraig Ó Tuama's, but what a joy it would be to read more collections like this....more
When you change mediums, often you lose something, which I think was the case here. Most of this book is made up of short affirmations that Smith wrotWhen you change mediums, often you lose something, which I think was the case here. Most of this book is made up of short affirmations that Smith wrote herself as tweets in the months after her divorce. Perhaps if a reader picked up this book and read one page a day, they would experience the writing in a way more faithful to the original vision. I borrowed it from the library, so that was not how I read it. While one affirmation can be empowering, dozens in a row tend to lose their luster. I was much more drawn to Smith's short essays, sprinkled throughout....more
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