David Anthony Sam's Blog, page 202
June 8, 2015
Buddhist Poetry Review has published 3 of my poems
The Buddhist Poetry Review has published 3 of my poems:
May 29, 2015
Blue Heron Review accepts a poem
Blue Heron Review has accepted my poem “A Matter of Gravity” for future publication. http://blueheronreview.com/
May 22, 2015
Simple truths simply told
Crooked Run by Henry S. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Henry Taylor writes of his family and his own biography in close connection with the land and its geologic and human history. As some have noted, these poems certainly seem influenced by Frost and echo Wendell Berry. Sometimes the “blank verse” becomes a bit too prosy for me, but the emotion and subtle imagery is never prosaic.
“He came here, had his life, and as his last strength goes,
the little branch keeps washing over algae-laden stones.”
How simply to tell the story of our mortality and of the near immortality of the flowing of the natural world around us.
View all my reviews
May 17, 2015
A thoughtful look at poetry in English through the first part of the 21st Century
Contemporary Poetry by Nerys Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Williams’ study of trends and movements in late 20th and early 21st century is the best out there right now. It is hampered by academese and critical jargon but is otherwise and thoughtful and informative look at poetry in English up through the first decade of the new century.
View all my reviews
Amazon has my newest book on sale
“Memories in Clay, Dreams of Wolves” – $7.95
Also available on
Kindle
Also available:
“Dark Land, White Light”
May 11, 2015
Another excellent collection by Claudia Emerson - this one Posthumous
The Opposite House: Poems by Claudia EmersonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is heartbreaking to read these poems---both because they are poignant, real, and heartfelt and because Claudia Emerson dies at far too young an age. My rating is of the poetry, and not in sympathy for her loss. Here, Emerson speaks for the voiceless, dramatic monologues and lyrics for such characters as a glass-eye maker, a man whose father was a suicide, an aged dying woman, and many others. Some of the poems feel more autobiographical, but all show Emerson able to exert the "negative capability" of silencing herself enough to give words to others. And what words they are, simple, eloquent, and true.
View all my reviews
May 7, 2015
Summerset Review will publish another of my poems
Poignantly brings the past alive
Pray No More by Patrick BradleyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This historical novel poignantly describes a family facing terrible losses before modern medicine reduced childhood diseases. The parents face spiritual crises along with challenges to their relationship as they face together and separately the slow destruction of their family. Patrick Bradley has done excellent research into his family's history and the history of Michigan about 100 years ago, and his writing brings to life what seems like the distant past---but in reality is faced by countless poor families around the globe today.
View all my reviews
May 6, 2015
Ah too many Ahs. O too many Os
Hymen by H.D.My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I do like H.D., but not this collection. The writing is derivative of Keats and the Romantics at their gushingest. The classical references and dramatic monologues of mythical figures do nothing new. And every poet should be allowed only one "ah" and one "O" in their careers. H.D. uses up a century's worth here.
View all my reviews
