Notes to the Hurrying Man

by Brian Patten

Hardcover. Poems, Winter '66 - Summer '68. Minor penned marginalia on front endpaper. Dust jacket is a little faded and grubby. One or two small dents to upper edge of front jacket. Front flap has been clipped. One or two very small, light marks on front board. Binding is sound and pages are tight and clean throughout. Text is clear. AF

Genres: Poetry

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1969

Reviews

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of rain and birds and creatures.
Lovely.
Also has a great cover.

[Danielle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully nuanced poetry with reoccurring themes of planets, nakedness, dreams, loneliness and hope.

Some of my favourite lines:
Sat glittering inside myself
Love goes limping
All her senses open out, To receive each sensation for herself
He has learnt to make all worlds his own
Waking in strange beds, we are screwed and perfect

In the first few poems, the idealised 'fantasy of the female' was explored, which I thought may be another example of the male gaze. However, with each new poem, I saw the sophistication in Patten's depictions of women, and how each perspective was used to illustrate the specific mindset of each man. For example, the retired schoolmaster who dreams of a woman "tall and blonde and damaged by boredom" is oversimplified, but gives me such a clear insight into his character.

I LOVE this line: But more afraid of what the night might not offer us

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a 23 year old. Bound to mellow with age...