Review of SEEDED LIGHT in POEMELEON

After I announced on Friday that a review of my latest collection of poems, Seeded Light (Turning Point Books, 2010), has been published at Rattle, I was pleased to also learn that another review of Seeded Light appears in the current issue of Poemeleon. I was especially delighted to see that the commentary offered by Zara Raab begins with a note about my first collection of poems, Along the Dark Shore, selected by John Ashbery for a series of books published by BOA Editions. Raab also draws comparison of Seeded Light with my previous collection, Tidal Air, and references an earlier volume, East of Omaha, both published by Pecan Grove Press. Indeed, I appreciate the reviewer’s comments reflecting her knowledge and coverage of my work over the years, as well as indicating an awareness of various transitions that have occurred in the style or focus of my work.

Raab nicely describes the form and effects found in the poetry of Seeded Light, correctly detecting my intentions in the style I have chosen: “Rich, shaded, and subtle in texture, with second lines often bleeding into the next couplet, these open couplets expand meaning, encouraging the reader to follow.” I’m also honored by her complimentary comments connecting my poetry to other poets who have emphasized similar themes to those evident in mine, particularly through the use of natural imagery: “Though his aesthetic shares more akin with Wallace Stevens than Mary Oliver, Byrne has Oliver’s sensitivity to nature, without her need to draw obvious lessons from it.”

Again, I recommend this review to readers as an introduction to the poetry in Seeded Light and perhaps as an invitation for all to purchase the volume. In addition, I remind everyone to view the sidebar of this blog where discounts on Seeded Light and Tidal Air are now available in time for inclusion in summer reading lists.