Medium Used in the Art of Drowning by Billy Collins

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Oct 18, 2018 Julie M rated it really liked it

If you believe in the mindset that the all-time poetry arises from suffering, so this might not be the collection for you.

Mr. Collins may be a poet, but he's certainly non a starving poet, nor much of a suffering ane, either. . . (unless you view all humans equally suffering, which has been suggested in urban legends for several millennia now).

We all experience life differently, and nosotros all suffer by existing, but Billy Collins merely suffers with more. . . sophistication. . . what with his lamb shanks, h

If y'all believe in the mindset that the best poetry arises from suffering, then this might non be the drove for y'all.

Mr. Collins may be a poet, but he'due south certainly non a starving poet, nor much of a suffering 1, either. . . (unless you view all humans equally suffering, which has been suggested in urban legends for several millennia now).

We all experience life differently, and nosotros all suffer by existing, but Billy Collins just suffers with more. . . sophistication. . . what with his lamb shanks, his champagne, his Strauss sonatas and all. (I've been a poet all my life and I can not help just wonder. . . is it family money? Did he marry a brain surgeon? WTF, Baton? Okay, this is getting judgy. I'll stop).

This is a polished suffering, poems related to u.s.a. from a hammock and the complexity of holding a drinking glass of Pinot Noir in one hand, rocking the ropes of the hammock with the other. This compilation is probably all-time relatable to a 45+ crowd and would probably be best appreciated by a person who has never spent a night on a sidewalk or slept at a hotel with fresh stains on the sheets.

But, circumstances aside, Mr. Collins is a poet who plays with language in a mode that feels effortless and expresses more with less.

His poetry isn't weighted downwards with unnecessary descriptors, and it has a clean ease that appeals speedily to the senses.

He's clearly comfortable as an imagist, and the simpler the topic, the more than constructive the poem, the best example for me being the description of 1 perfect meal in the poem Osso Buco.

I had several favorites here, but I will stop this with my favorite lines from the poem, On Turning X:

Information technology seems only yesterday I used to believe
in that location was nil under my skin merely lite.
If y'all cut me I would shine.
Just now when I autumn upon the sidewalks of life,
I skin my knees. I bleed.

Ah. Yous run across? He's never slept on a sidewalk, but he has fallen downwards on 1.

Information technology counts equally suffering.

...more

Jun 18, 2018 Connie G rated it really liked information technology

Billy Collins was the Poet Laureate of the United states from 2001 to 2003. He writes his poems in free poesy. Nigh of Collins' work is virtually everyday things and then they are accessible to almost everyone. He has a good sense of humour, and many of his poems are playful and fun. 3.5 stars. Billy Collins was the Poet Laureate of the United states of america from 2001 to 2003. He writes his poems in free poetry. Nearly of Collins' work is nigh everyday things so they are attainable to almost everyone. He has a good sense of humor, and many of his poems are playful and fun. 3.five stars. ...more

Oct 16, 2020 Jenn rated information technology it was amazing

After listening to Billy's Facebook broadcasts for months, I decided I needed all of his poetry books, so I only ordered this 1. I've read many of the poems in other collections, but I love having it.

But read the final few poems last night - I've been reading a few a night until I finished, which has been an extremely excellent style of ending my 24-hour interval - and love all of information technology, but especially "Days," "Budapest," and "On Turning 10."

After listening to Baton'due south Facebook broadcasts for months, I decided I needed all of his poetry books, and then I merely ordered this one. I've read many of the poems in other collections, but I dearest having it.

Just read the last few poems last night - I've been reading a few a night until I finished, which has been an extremely excellent manner of ending my day - and love all of information technology, but especially "Days," "Budapest," and "On Turning X."

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Enjoyed this book of poetry by Collins, especially the first department. Part one was a full-on 5 for me, the others a 4. However, since I loved the first part so very much, I'm giving the book a 5 overall. :D My favorite lines:

p ix, Osso Buco, "In a while, one of u.s.a. volition get to bed / and the other one will follow. / And then we volition slip below the surface of the dark / into miles of water, drifting down and down / to the dark, soundless bottom / until the weight of dreams pulls united states lower still, / below th

Enjoyed this book of poetry by Collins, peculiarly the beginning section. Part ane was a full-on five for me, the others a iv. All the same, since I loved the first function so very much, I'one thousand giving the book a 5 overall. :D My favorite lines:

p 9, Osso Buco, "In a while, one of us will go to bed / and the other one volition follow. / Then we will slip below the surface of the night / into miles of water, drifting downward and down / to the dark, soundless bottom / until the weight of dreams pulls united states lower still, / beneath the shale and layered rock, / below the shale and layered rock, / below the strata of hunger and pleasure, / into the broken bones of the world itself, / into the marrow of the only place we know."

p 11, Directions, "Merely information technology is hard to speak of these things / how the voice of light enters the body / and brainstorm to recite their stories / how the earth holds the states painfully confronting / its breast made of human and brambles / (...) taking the vast outside into ourselves."

p 15, Water Table, "But some nights, I must tell y'all, / I become down there later everyone has fallen asleep. / I swim back and forth in the echoing blackness. / I sing a love vocal likewise equally I can, / lost for awhile in the home of the pelting."

p 21, Thanks, "Here's to the wind bravado confronting this lighted house / and to the vast, windless spaces between the stars."

p 26, Days, "Each one is a gift, no doubt, / mysteriously placed in your waking hand / or set up upon your forehead / moments before y'all open your optics."

p 29, Tuesday, June 4, 1991, "But tomorrow, dawn will come up the mode I pic her, // barefoot and disheveled, standing outside my window / in ane of the fragile cotton fiber dresses of the poor. / She will await at me with her sparse artillery extended, / offering a handful of birdsong and a small cup of light."

p 49, On Turning Ten, "It seems just yesterday I used to believe / there was nothing under my pare but light. / If y'all cut me I would polish. / Only now when I fall upon the sidewalks of life, / I skin my knees. I drain."

p 72, The End of the World, "A gigantic door might shut. A horrible bong could band. / We could have burn down, water ice, bang, and whimper all at once. // But who has time to consider such horrors / when the world's trunk keeps pressing up against us / with the weight of its beauty, its dizzying ocean cliffs / and benumbed birds, its rolling fairways and deep pine woods?"

p 75, Blueprint, "This is the wheel of fortune, / the Arctic Circle. / This is the ring of Kerry / and the white rose of Tralee / I say to the ghosts of my family, / the expressionless fathers, / the aunt who drowned, / my unborn brothers and sisters, / my unborn children. / This is the lord's day with its glittering spokes / and the bitter moon."

...more than

2 and 1/2 stars. Assemble effectually folks and I'll tell you lot why.

Some books you have to sit with for a while after reading for a real appreciation to sink in. This volume of poems by Billy Collins, 2-time United States poet laureate, was i such book for me. As far every bit reading poems go, it is polish and cool, paced nicely, and has no ponderous obstacles of personal-life allusions and intentional obscurantism sitting heavy in the path of estimation. He feels much similar someone helping you notice t

2 and 1/two stars. Gather around folks and I'll tell yous why.

Some books y'all take to sit down with for a while after reading for a real appreciation to sink in. This volume of poems by Billy Collins, 2-fourth dimension United States poet laureate, was one such book for me. As far as reading poems go, it is smooth and absurd, paced nicely, and has no ponderous obstacles of personal-life allusions and intentional obscurantism sitting heavy in the path of interpretation. He feels much similar someone helping you notice the wonders around your hometown. He's non trying to be avant guard, pushing the evolving cusp of mod poetry. He'southward only writing from the heart, and he is full of corking insights.

That being said, information technology wasn't my favorite book of verse I have ever read. What? Wasn't expecting that? While it was engaging, and apple-pie my palate so to speak, I wouldn't call this one of the about enlightening reads. Information technology was a nice ride, but it wasn't a step frontwards for me. I recognize Collins' genius and value as a poet, and later while reading some other poet, I appreciated more than what it did for me, just it wasn't something I'd seek out once more anytime presently, considering I'one thousand not sure I grew equally a result from reading it. I wasn't prodded to call back new thoughts or take new action…which is kind of a personal goal of mine when reading. I usually don't read to simply pass time, or to read a 'overnice' story. I'm still dipping the "blood of the universe" straight from the sun (Ray Bradbury), and I'll exist the first to admit, my personal standards are fix loftier for the moment with regard to my taste in books.

However, equally I said, it was more of a tonic than I realized (at the time information technology mostly bored me), and I meet now it helped me launder down the incredibly dense, immobile molasses that Dylan Thomas' verse tin can go where words are indiscriminately trounce together and flung down in jarring closeness and bewildering lack of context. Collin'south writing isn't academic or experimental poetry; it's just good, readable, and uplifting. It's read-out-loud verse. It'south thoughtful and spontaneous, profound and playful.

If y'all're looking for a volume of poems to explore and rekindle your beloved of verse, this may help. Collins is a good writer, but it was just okay for me. Don't hate me for praising the chef but only nibbling his delicacies. I'grand still devouring raw meat, yo.

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Mar 25, 2021 Mary rated it it was amazing

I like everything this guy writes. Thoughtful and a chip funny at times. What'south not to similar? I like everything this guy writes. Thoughtful and a bit funny at times. What'due south non to like? ...more

Nov thirty, 2017 Melanie rated it really liked it

I loved some of the poems, some I simply loved a few lines, and a couple I didn't really like. But in the whole, this was a great book of poetry. My favorites are the ones that take a sly wit to them but also capture the mundane perfectly. I like many of the lists, merely sometimes they take abroad from the residuum of the poem. Standouts for me were Piano Lessons, Pinup, Man in Infinite, Reading in a Hammock, Osso Bucco, and Water Table.

Nov 03, 2011 Joanne Merriam rated it actually liked it

Billy Collins has visited my city a number of times in the by ii years, including giving a two-24-hour interval writing workshop which I was fortunate to attend, every bit well equally several readings. I enjoy his poetry most read aloud and in person, where his charismatic reality baloney field is in full effect and I as an audience member forget that I don't like easy poetry with easy conclusions provided pre-packaged for me, so that in the end I must grudgingly admit that I quite enjoy his work despite all my t Billy Collins has visited my city a number of times in the past ii years, including giving a two-day writing workshop which I was fortunate to nourish, likewise as several readings. I savor his poetry nigh read aloud and in person, where his charismatic reality distortion field is in full effect and I as an audience fellow member forget that I don't like easy poetry with easy conclusions provided pre-packaged for me, then that in the stop I must grudgingly admit that I quite savor his work despite all my theories about what poetry should be.

If you like his poetry you'll certainly like this collection, which is, I think, quite representative of his work and has the reward for me of containing my favourite of his poems, "Canada" (which readers tin can preview at The Poetry Foundation'south website, where information technology is reproduced) about summers in Canada in his boyhood, which sound pretty similar to my own summers in Canada equally a child. I think what Billy Collins does best is remind us of things we already know.

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Only it is hard to speak of these things
how the voices of light enter the body
and begin to recite their stories
how the earth holds u.s. painfully against
its breast made of of humus and brambles
how we who will soon be gone
regard the entities that continue to return
greener than ever

my favorites: thesaurus, keats'due south handwriting, the first dream, homo in space

Sep 08, 2015 KarmA1966 rated information technology actually liked it

If this book only contained the titular poem it would be plenty. I beloved the verse form that much. I beloved the themes it explores -- how it touches on our fears, our memories, our self-inflated thoughts of the self, our egos reduced to the scales of a fish, and all of it wrapped in the familiar, humorous tone that Collins gives to even the grandest or gravest of themes he explores.

I found a youtube video of the poem , an animated short, narrated by the author.

And hither, for your enjoyment, the poem i

If this volume only contained the titular verse form it would be enough. I dear the verse form that much. I honey the themes information technology explores -- how it touches on our fears, our memories, our cocky-inflated thoughts of the self, our egos reduced to the scales of a fish, and all of information technology wrapped in the familiar, humorous tone that Collins gives to even the grandest or gravest of themes he explores.

I institute a youtube video of the poem , an animated short, narrated by the writer.

And here, for your enjoyment, the poem itself:

The Art Of Drowning

I wonder how it all got started, this business
about seeing your life flash earlier your eyes
while y'all drown, as if panic, or the deed of submergence,
could startle fourth dimension into such pinch, crushing
decades in the vice of your desperate, last seconds.

After falling off a steamship or being swept away
in a rush of floodwaters, wouldn't you lot hope
for a more leisurely review, an invisible hand
turning the pages of an anthology of photographs-
yous up on a pony or blowing out candles in a conic chapeau.

How about a brusque animated film, a slide presentation?
Your life expressed in an essay, or in ane model photograph?
Wouldn't any form be better than this sudden flash?
Your whole existence going off in your face
in an eyebrow-singeing explosion of biography-
zippo like the three large volumes you envisioned.

Survivors would have usa believe in a brilliance
here, some bolt of truth forking across the water,
an ultimate Light before all the lights get out,
dawning on you with all its megalithic tonnage.
Just if something does wink before your eyes
as you go under, it will probably be a fish,

a quick mistiness of curved silver darting abroad,
having zilch to do with your life or your expiry.
The tide volition accept you, or the lake will accept it all
as you sink toward the weedy disarray of the lesser,
leaving behind what you take already forgotten,
the surface, now overrun with the high travel of clouds.

...more

Oct 18, 2012 Beth rated it really liked information technology

While a number of the poems in this volume have been recently re-published in the compilation Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems, this collection is in and of itself a gem. Billy Collins' verse is both wry and 18-carat, and always total of wit. Each poem is articulate and accessible, yet information technology brings u.s. a moment of truth, oftentimes stemming from something quite ordinary: a gospel vocal on the radio, a stroll through a museum, a skilful meal.

The poet has a souvenir for sense of humor. Even the title verse form in t

While a number of the poems in this book accept been recently re-published in the compilation Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems, this collection is in and of itself a jewel. Billy Collins' verse is both wry and 18-carat, and ever full of wit. Each poem is clear and attainable, yet it brings us a moment of truth, often stemming from something quite ordinary: a gospel song on the radio, a stroll through a museum, a good meal.

The poet has a gift for humor. Even the title poem in this drove (which seems equally though it would exist rather morbid) draws forth a chuckle. Information technology deals with the phenomenon of ane'due south life flashing before one's eyes, moments earlier death. The poet describes, "Your whole being going off in your face/ in an eyebrow-singeing explosion of biography--/ zero similar the iii large volumes you envisioned." In so many circles, poetry has go serious, esoteric, and inaccessible. These poems come back to the human level -- the level of laughter, of wonder, of curiosity.

Merely to give yous a taste:

Sweet Talk

You lot are not the Mona Lisa
with that relentless look.
Or Venus borne over the barm
of waves on a pinkish one-half shell.
Or an odalisque by Delacroix,
veils lapping at your nakedness.

Yous are more like the sunlight
of Edward Hopper,
peculiarly when it slants
against the eastern side
of a white clapboard firm
in the early on hours of the morning,
with no figure continuing
at a window in a violet bathrobe,
simply the sunlight,
the columns of the front end porch,
and the long shadows
they throw down
upon the dark green lawn, babe.

*****

If you appreciated this review, check out my blog at pagesandmargins.wordpress.com

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Aug 02, 2013 Florence rated information technology really liked it

This slim volume of poems by a former US Poet Laureate appealed to me. Virtually of the poems dealt with everyday, commom themes. Occasionally, there was a line or two of truly beautiful or playfully droll imagery. Literary references, which usually are beyond my noesis are few.

Hither's an case from one entitled "Influence": " I saw the doves milling around in the snow, their legs as thin as pencil leads." Yes, birds practise seem extremely vulnerable in frigid conditions, don't they?

Here he is in "The

This slim volume of poems past a former United states Poet Laureate appealed to me. About of the poems dealt with everyday, commom themes. Occasionally, at that place was a line or two of truly beautiful or playfully droll imagery. Literary references, which usually are beyond my knowledge are few.

Here'south an example from i entitled "Influence": " I saw the doves milling effectually in the snow, their legs as thin as pencil leads." Yes, birds do seem extremely vulnerable in frigid weather, don't they?

Here he is in "The Biography of a Cloud": " I prefer a wayside bench, ensnared by vines, to the dark aisles of a library, a place to watch them inch across the sky, caravans plying their ancient trade routes"

1 more than instance (please indulge me). This one is chosen "Thesaurus". Mr. Collins is expressing his displeasure to words that are conventionally paired. "I would rather see words out on their own, away from their families and the warehouse of Roget"...

Delicious.

...more

Jul 30, 2008 Erik rated information technology liked information technology  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: fans of verse

I'm about as unqualified to comment on verse as a person can be. I don't read a lot of it, and I notice the habitual need for dandy almost whatever book and reading aloud from said volume displayed by nigh verse fans to be... perturbing at times. All the same, I institute Baton Collins surprisingly easy to read and enjoyable. His poems were refreshingly costless of the pretentiousness I (absolutely in my ignorance) ordinarily associate with poesy in full general. While I'll never exist a fan of poetry, Collins ma I'yard virtually as unqualified to comment on poetry every bit a person can exist. I don't read a lot of it, and I notice the habitual demand for cracking almost any book and reading aloud from said book displayed past virtually verse fans to be... perturbing at times. Nevertheless, I found Baton Collins surprisingly easy to read and enjoyable. His poems were refreshingly free of the pretentiousness I (admittedly in my ignorance) ordinarily acquaintance with poetry in full general. While I'll never be a fan of verse, Collins managed to open a few closed doors for me with this volume. ...more

Aug 27, 2013 Dave rated information technology really liked it

I always read books of poetry too fast, particularly if I similar them. Like eating all of the candy in one sitting. And I never really loved my favorite poems at kickoff read. And so I liked this very much and need to digest earlier I know how I'll actually feel about all of these. Simply I accept many current favorites: "Piano Lessons," "Medium," "Workshop," "Thesaurus," "Urban center," "Influence." And most of them show me something or accept me somewhere or make me grin. I always read books of poetry too fast, specially if I like them. Like eating all of the candy in one sitting. And I never really loved my favorite poems at outset read. So I liked this very much and demand to assimilate before I know how I'll really experience nigh all of these. Only I have many current favorites: "Piano Lessons," "Medium," "Workshop," "Thesaurus," "City," "Influence." And most of them prove me something or take me somewhere or make me smiling. ...more than

Jun 04, 2013 Cindy rated it actually liked it

.....how tired i am of reading and writing,
Tired of watching all the dull, equus caballus-drawn sentences
Equally they plough through fields of paper,

Tired of being dragged on a leash of words
By an author I tin can never expect up and see,
Tired of examining the exposed spines of books,

I want to exist far from the shores of language,
A gunkhole without passengers, lost at sea.....

Dec 09, 2008 Joshua rated information technology information technology was amazing

this book is tattered, from sitting in my handbag, being dragged along all over the city, opened and reopened again, on many tardily evenings. i honey to read his poems out loud; they roll off the tongue without whatsoever difficulty. osso buco is fantastic, but so are nearly 20 others inside this slim book.

Jun fifteen, 2008 Justin rated it really liked it

Billy Collins writes skilful, solid, unashamed, every twenty-four hours poetry.

Jan 21, 2016 Kendall rated it really liked it

1 of my favorite of Collins'. Quiet, melancholic, only all the same fun in his style. One of my favorite of Collins'. Tranquility, melancholic, just still fun in his way. ...more

Mar 19, 2021 Peggy rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed reading this volume very much and making notes on the pages as Baton himself encourages equally a sort of conversation with the poet. In fact, I enjoyed reading this volume and so much, I enrolled in Baton Collin'south online Master Course. I love the way Billy draws the reader into his home or environment, how he shares with the reader so that the experiences feel immediate and intimate. I also like the way he shifts from ordinary to the universal with a kind of magnificent reverence. I enjoyed reading this book very much and making notes on the pages equally Baton himself encourages equally a sort of conversation with the poet. In fact, I enjoyed reading this volume so much, I enrolled in Baton Collin'south online Main Class. I love the way Billy draws the reader into his dwelling house or environment, how he shares with the reader so that the experiences feel immediate and intimate. I also similar the fashion he shifts from ordinary to the universal with a kind of magnificent reverence. ...more

Y'all know some clouds are too elementary, or confusing and they just float away, fading into nothingness? Some poems were similar that. Some others were pleasant, for their clouds were notwithstanding and beautiful. They stayed, letting me bladder shut as possible, feeling the words swim on my skin.

Aimless Honey and The Whale 24-hour interval were ameliorate ones simply they were more recent meanwhile this is from 90s. Decent merely less favorable poems were plant.

Mar 29, 2022 Emily rated it information technology was ok

this was not my cup of tea, which is fine. poetry is so subjective and what's great to 1 person is terrible to some other. and then this is a very subjective 2 stars. there were only almost 4 pieces that i actually liked in this collection. it was a bit too…lofty? for my taste. a lot of nature/references to other poets/middle historic period content. i saw ane review that said this is a collection more appealing to an older audience, so that may be function of it. just non for me.

Aug 17, 2017 Alan rated it actually liked it

Thanks again to the Forbes Library for running the summertime reading passport. 1 of the categories was to read a volume in a genre that you do not normally read. I chose this wonderful collection of poetry to satisfy this claiming. Collins captures the essential beauty inherent in the commonplace through his attainable and lovely words.

Sep 26, 2017 Matt rated it it was amazing

Perhaps it's because it'southward my showtime foray into the realm of verse simply I found this drove to exist very special (special in the manner that you value a mitt made gift from a friend who knows you inside and out). Baton Collins writes in such a readily accessible mode, I couldn't assist simply fall in honey with his work. Maybe it's because it's my showtime foray into the realm of poetry but I plant this collection to be very special (special in the way that you value a mitt made gift from a friend who knows yous inside and out). Billy Collins writes in such a readily accessible way, I couldn't help simply fall in love with his work. ...more

December xiv, 2017 Jamie rated it actually liked it

This is the first Billy Collins poetry I've read, and I really enjoyed it. It felt like he was taking me for a walk through a museum - how he could take a single image and create a verse form out of it. It often felt like a trip the light fantastic as well, from the silly to the serious. I enjoyed his playfulness. I hope I happen upon more than of his writing. This is the kickoff Billy Collins poetry I've read, and I really enjoyed it. It felt like he was taking me for a walk through a museum - how he could take a unmarried epitome and create a poem out of it. It oftentimes felt similar a dance as well, from the lightheaded to the serious. I enjoyed his playfulness. I hope I happen upon more of his writing. ...more

Baton Collins is and so reliable. Again I enjoyed his word play.
A number of rememberable poems.
'Thank you' v5, ' laziness was the mother of astronomy'
'Thesaurus' – 'Information technology could exist the name of a prehistoric animate being …'
'On Turning Ten' – 'Piano Lessons' v5, 'my left hand would rather be jingling the change ...'
A joy to read anywhere.
Baton Collins is so reliable. Again I enjoyed his discussion play.
A number of rememberable poems.
'Thank you' v5, ' laziness was the mother of astronomy'
'Thesaurus' – 'It could be the proper noun of a prehistoric beast …'
'On Turning Ten' – 'Piano Lessons' v5, 'my left hand would rather exist jingling the change ...'
A joy to read anywhere.
...more

Jun 03, 2017 Reed rated information technology information technology was amazing

Another superb collection of poems -- well-nigh of them readable and understandable. Some of them absolutely alter how I think...and I will utilise for teaching purposes. Check out: Biography of a Cloud; Cheers; or Terminate of the World.

April 16, 2020 Steve rated information technology it was amazing

I beloved the poetry of Billy Collins. It is so understandable, and inviting. The simplicity is what makes it cute. Often funny and touching at the same time. My favorites from this book are Thesaurus, Fiftieth Birthday Eve, Workshop and The Invention of the Saxophone.

Apr 25, 2020 Joel Fry rated it it was amazing

Billy collins does boggling things with the ordinary. He releases the reader from the pain of living for cursory moments by showing u.s.a. the everlasting surface and depth of the world. I recall of Sheep's Head Hill ofttimes, and my listen rests in its deepest place. Billy collins does extraordinary things with the ordinary. He releases the reader from the pain of living for brief moments by showing us the everlasting surface and depth of the world. I think of Sheep's Head Hill often, and my mind rests in its deepest place. ...more

It's been a while since I've read a book of poetry, and this was a expert one to starting time upward again with. It conversational and mannerly and funny and deep. Not all of the poems ate winners, merely a cracking many are.

William A. ("Billy") Collins is an American poet. He served two terms as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. In his domicile land, Collins has been recognized as a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library (1992) and selected as the New York State Poet for 2004. William A. ("Baton") Collins is an American poet. He served two terms every bit the Poet Laureate of the U.s.a. from 2001 to 2003. In his abode state, Collins has been recognized as a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library (1992) and selected as the New York State Poet for 2004. ...more

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His Favorite Works of Poetry: The sometime poet laureate and Goodreads Selection Best Poesy Finalist for the collection Aimless Love offers his top five.

"But tomorrow, dawn will come up the way I picture her,
barefoot and disheveled, standing outside my window
in 1 of the fragile cotton fiber dresses of the poor.
She will await in at me with her thin arms extended,
offering a handful of birdsong and a small cup of low-cal." — 42 likes

"In a while, one of us will get up to bed
and the other one will follow.
Then nosotros will slip below the surface of the night
into miles of water, globe-trotting downwards and down
to the dark, soundless lesser
until the weight of dreams pulls us lower still,
below the shale and layered rock,
beneath the strata of hunger and pleasance,
into the broken basic of the world itself,
into the marrow of the merely place we know." — 3 likes

More than quotes…

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/137109.The_Art_of_Drowning

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