I Think Again of Those Ancient Chinese Poets - by Tom Sexton (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This all-new collection by former Alaska poet laureate smoothly blends his life in Maine, his years in Alaska, and his love of Chinese poetry-which has been a key influence on his work-into a lyrical fantasy that will enchant lovers of verse. These tightly rhythmic, compact eight-line poems demonstrate a rare deftness with-and an even more uncommon ear for-language, revealing poetic form to be neither a puzzle nor an accomplishment in itself, but a compositional tool and a spur to creativity.

Review Quotes

"I Think Again of Those Ancient Chinese Poets is a strongly recommended read. Not to be missed."--Midwest Book Review

"In these poems, Tom Sexton weaves ancient Chinese poetry with an Alaska back country he knows intimately. The poems have teeth, and just when we feel them against our necks, we're given a moment of reprieve, a moment of sweetness. These poems make you catch your breath over and over again."

"This is a book to be read and returned to. There are fine poems here, all from the hand of someone who for many years has read and listened to the enduring voice of ancient Chinese poets. We have here the result of that attention."

"Tom Sexton's front door opens into the universe. In the company of ancient Chinese poets he generously invites us to step out with him to see how stars, moon, tides, and time connect with yellow warblers, wild berries, dragonflies, and weather to give us meaning. . . . These poems are as wise and important as they are lovely."--Sheila Nickerson, former poet laureate of Alaska

About the Author

Tom Sexton was appointed Alaska's Poet Laureate in 1995 and served until 2000. He is the author of eight books of poetry.