Jason the Sailor

The Archaeology of Movies and Books #2

by Diane Wakoski

Great expectations developed from Hollywood movie dreams (“imagining our lives, instead of living them”) are inevitably shattered by disappointing and betraying real-life relationships. The bittersweet and ironic evocations of the failed loves of her life make this among the most moving, as well as revealing, of Ms. Wakoski’s books.

Genres: Poetry

197 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Wakoski is an American poet who is primarily associated with the deep image poets such as Jerome Rothenberg, Robert Kelly, and Clayton Eshleman. Throughout her work she uses legends, myth and fairy tales to create a deeply personal mythology.

She is best known for a series of poems collectively known as "The Motorcycle Betrayal Poems."

Wakoski was given the William Carlos Williams Award for her "Emerald Ice: Selected Poetry 1962-1987."

Reviews

[J.C. Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first exposure to Diane Wakoski--and I am absolutely overwhelmed. She has really expanded my idea about what poetry can do. It took me a little bit to get used to how she incorporates quotations from a book on quantum theory as well as letters she's written, and I was much into the book when I sort of began to understand her system of symbols...but I am hooked. I am now trying to get my hands on every collection she's written. I am in love.