Part of the Bargain Book

Part of the Bargain covers much territory with an assured hand. The contrast of here and now with the past, family with the world, Texas with New York, is learned and mature. From coming of age to coming out to the adult acceptance and understanding of one's parents and childhood friends, this book showcases a wise and affectionate eye. I enjoyed the warm and smart appreciation of the mother in it, as well as the propensity for breaking description down into sequences of sound and meaning. I'm inspired by the use of external sources, whether it be Tavern on the Green, ABC Carpet, Marsden Hartley (who my partner William Reichard also writes about in How To, from Mid-List Press) Charles Laughton, or Shakespeare. "Falling Man" is a breathtakingly restrained poem about 9/11--one of the best I've read. Lots of favorite lines, including "'Sovereignty of mind," / mumbled one of the old women who watched and knew," & "I burn / to split you at the heart," but my favorite is "I exercise my privilege not to portray / My father." "Cortege" and "Funeral Song" are equally moving. A powerful book.