Customer Reviews

Loosestrife: Poems

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This is one of the better offerings from one of the better postmodern poets. Dunn, an academic, is amazingly proficient at avoiding the talkativeness of the academy poets, and he seems able to finish a poem without forcing it, a real treat. "Tuscon" involves a variation of evil encountered in a redneck bar, and is effective, and ditto for "Wild," set in Spain during what I would assume was the poet's youthful, "hippie" interlude. I especially enjoyed "Grace," a poem concerning the 1993 Phillies, in particular pitcher Terry Mulholland's willingness to forgive Mitch Williams for his unpardonable sin. Best of all, however, is the title piece ("Loosestrife") which concludes the book. From the vantage of his rural South Jersey home,Dunn reflects on Nature, on impending political change in Washington (circa 1994),and the changing seasons."The impatient, upstart crocuses/ and daffodils fell once again/ for the lies of March./They simply wanted to exist. The warm sun must have said Now, /and they gave themselves/ to that first, hardly refusable touch." Thanks to Dunn, and to the likes of Gluck (The Wild Iris)and Dobyns(Cemetery Nights), well written poetry, enjoyable poetry, poetry capable of exploring the mortal, the sinister, and the tragic, appears to be making a comeback.

Stephen Dunn is a wonderful contemporary poet. His poems are witty, sublime and sometimes humorous. This is a quick read, but a also a must read.

I have recently read the book Loosestrife: Poems, and i highlyrecommend it. Stephen Dunn has magnificently described Purpleloosestrife and it's threat to our society! Please read this book andstop the spread of purple loosestrife! These poems are an inspiration to everyone! I recommend that everyone read this book! THANK YOU Stephen Dunn!