The Perishing: Poems

by Sherod Santos

"[Santos] articulates some of the most moving truths we can know about our shared humanity."― Washington Post This collection's searing poems travel between the frozen moment of personal time and the inexorable sweep of history. The poet tracks genocide's record from Tamerlane to Pol Pot, an exiled tyrant's return to the killing fields, and Penelope's embracing her inevitable loss of Odysseus upon his return. In each poem, Santos tests the delicate balance between life and art.

Genres: Poetry

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong set of poems. I very much enjoyed the movement of Santos' language and the images he cast through his word choice. My favorite poems included: The Fostering, Small Variations, The Monument, Cafe Society, Red Advancing, Hymn to Necessity, A Valley in the Shadow of North Hollywood, The Talking Cure, and A Moment among others.