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Ammons 3: Mechanism [by Roger Gilbert]
Ammons is probably best known for two stylistic innovations: his eccentric use of the colon and his liberal incorporation of scientific language in his poems. Both of these devices are…
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Literary Letter Writing, Lives of Letters by Elaine Fletcher Chapman
Yesterday in the mail a large envelope arrived, return address American Academy of Poets. I had eagerly been awaiting the arrival of the new poster to mark National Poetry Month in April. Amazingly,one only…
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Larkin, Uncensored (On Barbara Pym)
Larkin had a flair for limericks. He had a high regard for Barbara Pym's writing, but that didn't prevent him from composing these lines: The chances are certainly slimOf finding in Barbara Pym (I…
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Ammons 2: Ezra and Elbert [by Roger Gilbert]
Archie Ammons's much-loved poem "Easter Morning" begins with an oblique reference to one of the formative events of his childhood: I have a life that did not become, that turned aside and stopped,…
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Morning Rain, Hiking, Haibun and Basho by Elaine Fletcher Chapman
A slight drizzle began a few minutes ago and birds arriving for spring settle here and there on the grass and next to the early daffodils blooming in a circle on the side yard.…
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Larkin, Uncensored (On Frank Kermode)
Philip Larkin in private was a frank curmudgeon, as these lines show: If I could talk, I'd be a worthless profEvery other year offJust a jetset egghead, TLS toffNot old toad: Frank Kermode. The…
