Selected poems [of] Stevie Smith Book

Selected Poems by Stevie Smith has been described by Robert Lowell as having a “cheerfully gruesome voice.” In this 1964 volume of poems she uses a variety of forms. Some are simple aphorisms. Most are short, some quite short, with a pithy simplicity. All are very lyrical and musical. There are a few that come with parenthetical suggestions that they be sung to familiar tunes. I had to read with my Googler near at hand to check out all the mythological references, most of which were Greek, Norse and Arthurian. I also had to seek translations of the titles of some poems which were written in French. Unlike a lot of modern poetry that seems to pride itself on being obtuse, Smith’s poetry is very accessible. She wants you to understand her, or at least enjoy the challenge of trying to decipher some of the more abstract references and eccentric images. Her poetic forms are not necessarily traditional but are at least an acknowledgment that form is an aspect of poetry that does matter. She demonstrates a playful joy with rhyme, near rhyme and Skeltonic rhyme. As far as subject matter is concerned, there is some depressing content though she doesn’t dwell on the morose. The overall tone is contemplative and optimistic. Nature seems to be a favorite theme and source of many of her metaphors. She is reminiscent of Kenneth Patchen. A special joy of this book is that each poem is accompanied by an illustration by the author adding an extra visual dimension.