David Lehman’s new book, Poems in the Manner Of … is a waltz through the history of poetry and a self-portrait in the fun house mirrors of style. “In the manner of” here means sound-alikes, inspired-bys, collages, fresh translations, and other deep visits with a poet, or a poetic age. Because of the way time whittles, if you are a reader of poetry throughout history, mostly in English, you likely have a similar inner literature. Today we are living in a dazzling era of new poetry, a sky full of fireworks from many directions. Stepping into this book the night sky goes dark and quiet and we recognize the constellations. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking encounter with poetry I already love, plus tantalizing additions. Headnotes for each poem give a hint of background, share confidences, crack wise. The book’s introduction explains that there is a didactic aim in this, “If I have done my job, aspiring poets will look at this book and attempt their own poems ‘in the manner of…’ the poets they most admire.”
Continue reading over at the Green Mountain Review.
-- sdl
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