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Shroud Of The Gnome

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It is with the Shroud of the Gnome that Tate seems to have matured-- here is the blending of his poignant early voice and the talent of the later comic linguist. In the poem "Smart" he employs imaginatively catchy opening lines: "I had a theory for a while, but I had to let it go. / It was wasting away in captivity. / It sat there in the cage of my brain and wouldn't eat." This is Tate's gift for rare, humorous metaphor once more. Slightly off-center and yet understandable enough that you can identify the image as that of a poem never fully written or realized.

In "Dream On" he calls to the poet and the poetry lover alike: "Some people go their whole lives / without ever writing a single poem. / Extraordinary people who don't hesitate / to cut somebody's heart or skull open." In "At the Days End Motel" he reflects on life in lines like: "Down the road, about a quarter of a mile, a tractor trailer / jackknifed and took a station wagon and a minibus / with it straight to hell where they had some / remarkably good carrot cake." Here Tate is again the thought provoking poet. Surreal and abstract language create dense imagery that enhances the already edgy substance of Tate's language.

Tate has been called a standup comic of poetry, yet this is, to me, wherein his genius lies. If he can make us look closer at our world, our limitations and our potentials and at the same time tease us with a fresh look at our own language, then he deserves our attention.

Trying to live without this book is like trying to walk in shoes without your feet in them. Meaning, each poem is like a little exhortation to fall asleep at crucial intersections. Dream replacement therapy. You will absolutely love this book, or we'll come and stuff you full of numinal cheesecake.