It is of course very somber work. The poetry is darkened by pervasive misgivings about warfare, industry, politics, etc. I guess my main objection is that the possibility of writing a poem that’s equal to our time – while it is no doubt a vast and important and timely question, is not the most interesting question that poetry can address! One can write a love poem without invoking the whole tradition of love poetry, or wondering whether love poetry isn’t unethical in our unlovely age. These poems are as interested in the writing of poetry as they are in the world at large, which doesn’t seem proportionate, in my opinion. I enjoy the poems – yes, enjoy, because these poems are quite sensuous in their own way – as a music of our time. An accomplished and seductive music, for sure.

I just wanted to second the above comment. I’d seen and liked some of these poems (we published a couple of “Doppler Elegies” in *jubilat,* I’m pleased to say), but your review convinced me to buy the book.

Peace.