Upon Arrival [Paperback]

Paula Cisewski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006

The first full-length collection from Cisewski showcases the best work from this Minneapolis-based poet who has graced the pages of literary journals across the country for the past decade. These poems, full of charm and wit, demonstrate an airy playfulness even as they confront isolation and loss.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book opens with "All the Way Home," a brilliant, pioneering piece suited for the beginning of the book because it suggests the collection's underlying purpose as a poetical expedition and gives a colorful glimpse of the poet. Cisewski introduces herself as a feisty and bright writer who embraces her flaws as elements of a jaded perfection... --Verse

Paula Cisewski loves language. Language and metaphor in the face of human heartbreak and desire. "I am now prepared / to feel my way down the dark sides…" she writes, "And still, we flew." Language and metaphor in the face of loneliness and sorrow. "A trainwreck," she writes, "that for eternity never / happens is perfect because / the brakes fail and fail and / still it smokes down / tracks that run through / a small town in me." Such a refreshing, distinctive first book of poems. --Ralph Angel

The verbal search for unknown finality is in these poems, the odd little bird who cocks her head to the side while singing to herself is in these poems, and the sound of circulating blood, and all manner of edgy fragile other things that make the reader feel lucky--for listening is inherently lucky, and these poems bear that gift. --Mary Ruefle

About the Author

Paula Cisewski's poems have appeared in Hunger Mountain, Black Warrior Review, Crazyhorse, Spinning Jenny, Forklift OH, Swerve, and Conduit, among other magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Black Ocean; First Edition edition (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977770923
• ISBN-13: 978-0977770922
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,999,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like (insert poet here), then you'll love..., April 23, 2006

By 

Chris (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Upon Arrival (Paperback)

Admittedly, this is not the poetry you read in front of a fireplace (unless of course you're the type to build miniature dioramas of villages in your fireplace). Cisewski's poems remind me of many different poets. At times she's strange and funny like James Tate or Charles Simic. She's also often serious and moving without being melodramatic, like the best of Transtromer. And always her use of language is surprising and refreshing.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who's a fan of the best of contemporary poetry in America today. Whether you eagerly thumb the latest Dean Young collection, or aloofly browse the newest issue of FENCE, I think you'll find this book rewarding on many levels.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic First Collection, April 17, 2009

By 

Melpomene (Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Upon Arrival (Paperback)

This is one of those poetry collections that offers something new with each reading. Paula has an obvious love and command of language---and shows it off with grace.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful poetry, December 3, 2006

By 

Cpt. Flint "Jenny" (Twin Cities, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Upon Arrival (Paperback)

I loved the poems. They are fresh and hopeful - like bird tracks on new fallen snow.