Speaking of work that sounds good. . .

Go enjoy the poem "Epic" by Ange Mlinko over at poetry daily. Passion, history, revolution, and reflection--all in just three concise and beautifully rhymed stanzas. Very cool.

If you like what Poetry Daily does, send the organization some financial love this holiday season. This note explains what's going on.

Holy Moley! The Chapel of Inadvertant Joy sounds good so far!

I read McDaniel's "The Grudge" on Poetry Daily two weeks ago, and I loved it. Poetry Daily's website placed his latest book, The Chapel of Inadvertent Joy, only two clicks away, so I bought it. Thanks, University of Pittsburgh Press.

For me, a new book of poetry is like a new CD or album download. I flip through the whole, looking for things that catch my ear. I stop. I sample. I skip around some more until something else catches my ear. This can go on for hours or days.

Then, eventually, I settle down--and settle in--for a long swim from beginning to end. A swim? What can I say? Metaphors always draw me in--short similes to long conceits. I'm listening. That is, if the metaphors are novel or exciting--if they work.

McDaniel's metaphors work. From the six or so poems I've read so far, I can honestly say that they are exciting. They crack the world open and pull out new treasures--ideas to put between my teeth. Minerals, vegetables, flesh. Good stuff so far. And it's not all "dark" as some might say. Underlying this work, and sometimes in full bloom, is a delicious sense of humor. I'll post more about the book once I've read it from cover to cover.

The Blog's New Title

You may have noticed that the blog has a new title. I consider the old title a "working title." This new title means I don't have to change links, and, more importantly, I think "abandoned balloons, offered poems, and blossoms outwitting winter" more accurately describes what I'm trying to do here.

Don't you?

Thanksgiving

I love the idea of this holiday tremendously. In practice, it's a damn mess. But in theory--as an idea--this a beautiful practice. Gather together, eat together, and express thankfulness together.

What am I thankful for?

My daughter. Over the holiday weekend, she turned three months old. She is healthy. Her mere presence lifts the spirits of those around her. She gives my life new purpose--and joy. The past few months have been difficult, as evidenced by the lack of posts, but things are looking up.

Here's to a grand close for 2013, and year full of wonders to appreciate. Cheers.