Then and Now: Poems

ISBN: 0804010668

Author: Cummins, James

Condition: Used

Product Description James Cumminss first book of poems, The Whole Truth, became known throughout much of the poetry world as the Perry Mason sestinas. His second book, Portrait in a Spoon, was chosen by Richard Howard for the James Dickey Prize Contemporary Poetry Series.His latest and most accomplished work is collected in Then and Now, which reflects the same inventiveness and wit evident in his earlier books, with a deepening of tone and spirit. The result is a collection of poems filled with feeling and with Cumminss signature anguished humor.If the language of poetry is a way into a hall of mirrors of the self, it can be a way out, too. The voice that emerges in Then and Now is sane, imaginative, bemused, and sly, not only taking responsibility for the character of the writer put fully on display, but ironically and affectionately exploring how this process occurs.Doing LunchYou have lunch with a friend.You put on a false face for him,because he is your friend.You want to spare him yourmaunderings,your lies and malfeasance.But this is just what your friend desires, because he is your friend.He wants your face to fall openin front of him and twitchlike a rabbit hit on the fly.He says he wants the latest wordfrom the border region betweennarcissism and an inner life.And laughs.Shamelessly, you tell him everything,because he is your friend. Review What is remarkable is the poetry that floods through the cracks in Cumminss poker-faced faade, drenching his mock-narrative with timeless light and joy.-John AshberyThese poems are possessed of the joy and sadness and humor that make James Cummins's work such a rare treat.-David LehmanTo say that Cumminss performance is spirited, even high-spirited, is not enough; we must say that it is inspired, and thereby feeds our cravings for knowledge, for delight.-Richard Howard About the Author James Cummins was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Cleveland and Indianapolis. He received his MFA from the University of Iowa and is curator of the Elliston Poetry Collection at the University of Cincinnati, where he also teaches.