CLEOPATRA IN THE NIGHT

by First Last

The poems in Cleopatra in the Night, by Bruce Feld, deal with the historical and literary figure we know as Cleopatra, Ptolemy, Queen of Egypt. But Cleopatra here is also a modern character, a symbol of modern--or timeless--human powers and frailties. She represents, of course, mysterious romantic attraction, sexual power, hubris, and female strength. Also on board are the other players, Antony and Caesar, who are similarly ancient and modern. The poems are largely set in the Mediterranean of romantic history, but they are as modern, contemporary, and American as AIDS and Mormons. These poems are playful, lush, humorous, lusty. They are about flawed, foolish, heroic human beings with their private problems and their problematic relationships. They are wildly entertaining and thought-provoking. They show a good blend of intelligence, education, and feeling. Also included in Cleopatra in the Night are selected other poems by Bruce Feld, and here we meet old friends and are introduced to new Mozart, Sappho, Bertrand Russell, Stonewall Jackson, Chicago, New York, and more. And the entire collection captures the sensuous and provocative nature of its poetry and Cleopatra--and historical figures who haunt our thoughts and live on in history and our imaginations. Cleopatra in the Night reveals a poet's meanderings as he, and we, ponder what we know and remember and imagine in history.

100 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999