Measuring the Dark

by Kate Gleason

Poetry. Winner of the 2008 Zone 3 First Book Award in Poetry, selected by Phillis Levin. "Immeasurable immensities reside in MEASURING THE DARK, Kate Gleason's richly imagined earthbound book of poems, where nervy intelligence and bittersweet insight are recurrent features in an ever-changing landscape"--Phillis Levin.

Genres: Poetry

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Susan Schefflein]

Very good poems. I was moved by the simple complexity of the imagery.

[Kasandra]

I love this book. I haven't even quite finished it, but not only is it easily a 5-star book, I'll be re-reading it immediately after I finish. Gleason's voice is strong, crisp, clear, and honest, and she manages to blend intellect and emotion, the personal and the literally universal (as in physics) in a magical synthesis that makes these fantastic poems look easy. Not only that, this is her first full-length book and it came out after she turned 50 (not sure of her exact age), which gives me hope. I very much hope someone else publishes another book of hers before too long. These are amazing, and now I have to see if I can get any of her chapbooks still. A wonderful poet with a voice that echoes, visceral but also subtle, and sticks.

[Jessica]

The first poem in this book was my least favorite by far, and so it took me a few pages after it to realize I was reading a book of astonishing luminosity. I read the book twice in a row just to make sure I didn't miss anything, which I undoubtedly did. That's a good thing; it means I get to read the book again and again and still enjoy it.

[Sarah Key]

An astounding read. Rich in its experience and focus.