The Language of Spring: Poems for the Season of Renewal

by Robert Atwan (Compiler)

The Language of Spring  collects some thirty of the most evocative English-language poems on the experience of spring. The poems range from the traditional and formal (Gerard Manley Hopkins"s "Spring" and Edna St. Vincent Millay"s "English Sparrows") to the contemporary, experimental, and diverse (Henry Reed"s "Naming of Parts," Marie Ponsot"s "Mauve," and William Carlos Williams"s "The Widow"s Lament in Springtime"). Each poem beautifully illuminates another small spot of time in the enthralling season of renewal. 

Other contributors Maxine Kumin (the volume"s title is adapted from her poem), Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, Richard Wright, John Updike, Walt Whitman, Yusef Komunyakaa, e. e. cummings, D. H. Lawrence, Claude McKay, Jane Kenyon, Sara Teasdale, Philip Larkin, Anne Sexton, James Tate, and A. R. Ammons.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2003

About the author

Robert Atwan has been the series editor of The Best American Essays since its inception in 1986. He has edited numerous literary anthologies and written essays and reviews for periodicals nationwide.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many ways it was just the right book at the right time, to read about Spring was most needed and refreshing because I am aching for flowers in bloom, the smell of dew, the breeze of Spring. I am aching for it and while I still must wait patiently, I know it will be here sooner than I think, for now I can read poetry about it.

I enjoyed it more than the winter collection of the same grouping and I read more poems by authors I had not read or poems that I don't recall reading by authors that I do know and that is always a plus.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable a great collection of poetry. I felt like I was experiencing spring rather than being stuck in winter, which was pleasant. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys poetry!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is definitely my favourite book of the series so far (only have autumn left). there are so many great poems in here!

[Roxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough collection of tributes to the renewal and rejuvenation of Spring. My favorite, Shakespeare’s FROM YOU HAVE I BEEN ABSENT…