~ Mark Jarman, Unholy Sonnets (Story Line Press, 2000)

          I remember reading this while I was writing a fit of sonnets (46 in one semester, only two of which survived), and admiring Jarman’s grace.  The above is one that just seemed perfect for this time of year.

          ~ TM

~ Olena Kalytiak Davis, And Her Soul Out of Nothing (Wisconsin Press Bittingham Prize 1997)

          I just needed to put something up.  It doesn’t feel right letting blight overcome such a wonderful source of poetry.

          ~ TM

~ Julia Kasdorf, Eve's Striptease (Pitt Press 1998)

          This poem was such a surprise.  She moves deceptively and wonderfully toward the last image, which never fails to make me both shudder and smile.  Good stuff.

          ~TM

~ Jay Hopler, Green Squall (Yale University Press 2006)

          To sound the redundant horn of praise, I loved this book—why else would I waste my time putting a poem up here?  He has something that I admire that I can’t quite pin down—his unpindownability maybe…

          ~ TM

classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui>

          ~ Campbell McGrath, American Noise (Ecco Press 1993)

          I absolutely loved this book—this poem, an untitled prologue type of poem, in particular.  He’s got that Whitman flair I wish I had.  Oh well, maybe in another writing life.

          ~ TM