Of This World by Joseph Stroud
Copper Canyon Press (2009)
A great pleasure derived from reading is the post-reading experience of sharing good books with other readers. Often while reading a book, and for almost any reason, a person will pop into your mind as someone who would enjoy these words and ideas. Usually, when someone shares a book with you to read–it’s okay, good, likable, etc.–but occasionally it is a spot-on experience and a bulls-eye suggestion. A friend shared Stroud’s world with me and a fine gift at the right time it was.
Joseph Stroud understands the value of taking your time in writing poetry, having published just four books in a forty-year writing career.
“I must say that I was dumb founded. I don’t recall when a poet unknown to me has struck me so deeply. Like all of the best poets, Stroud makes the earth again consolable.” -Jim Harrison
Slowly this summer I chewed on this collection, trying to get all the taste, pleasure and wisdom from these poems. Surprised by how well this long collection kept going and going, continuously getting stronger, I was even more astonished by the breadth and power of the final poems: “Provenance,” “Rooms” and “By the River of Babylon.”
Thanks to my reading pal Dave for sharing this gem with me. I hope to re-read these poems often and for many years to come. It’s a collection to keep in your library for a lifetime.
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