Call and Response: Conversations in Verse

by Jack B. Bedell, Darrell Bourque

"The poems in Call and Response are the record of a friendship, conversations in verse with topics as varied and diverse as fine art and the traditions of southern Louisiana. The poems created here are a drawing out of the love and respect they have for each other and for the things they share with the world. It is an exchange in the tradition of artists like Homer and Lady Murasaki, as well as in the common traditions of work songs sung by field workers throughout 'This exquisite collaboration by two of our state’s finest poets is a gift of extraordinary spiritual dimension.'"
-- The Times-Picayune

"Few collaborative books work as well as this one. Call and Response represents two poets at the height of their abilities. It also captures the contrast, harmony, and ultimate synthesis between two poetic voices, resulting in a book that succeeds as a strong collection of individual poems but also as a conversation in verse. The two poets, with their divergent sensibilities, have created a book in which the poems subtly and beautifully communicate with one another."
-- Kevin Meaux , author of Myths of Electricity

Genres: Poetry

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collaboration of two Louisiana poets, one the Poet-Laureate of the state, the other recovering from an illness that sapped his strength who asked his friend for help in recovering his will to write. This book is the result, and its themes are varied: domestic life, art, music, nature. I enjoyed it.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly beautiful poetry!