konerdesign

I had no desire to read Elizabeth Bishop before, I think because, while "One Art" is obviously a tight poem, I was never bowled over by it. (I've never typed out "bowled over" before. It doesn't look right.) Then I read an article on The Millions about her and it quoted some irresistibly good poetry. So I took this book out of the library. Not only does it have a kick-ass cover design (this is the original printing), but the poems are so good. Not just well-written, but filled with goodness. Maybe bravery. As with any book of poems, I don't love every single one, but there are so many stunners, poems that I would read and then have to read again. And then sit. And then go back and read again. And I still don't feel like I've processed them enough. They're simple on the surface - Bishop uses plain-faced language and description-- but they take wonderful turns in meaning. She's especially good with colors. I feel like reading these poems has shored up my brain in some essential way.

2020-09-10 03:26