William Jay Smith (1918–2015)

Ok, I've tried to read Rimbaud before, but until I saw, in here, Smith's translation to 'Strolling Player' what I found online as 'My Bohemian Existence' I had been too intimidated. But I find that translator does indeed make all the difference, and Smith's version is brilliant, accessible, and even rhymed & structured. (The other, translator unknown, not so much.)

Imo I recommend this anthology just for that... but I'm still less than 1/2 done so we'll see what else I can tempt you show more with....

Ok done.

This is not a children's book; I'm not sure why my library had it in Juvenile. Not much is quotable in bite-sized pieces. There's a lot in here, something for most any fan of poetry. And I like the illustrations (more like 'decorations' in the book design sense). The organization by theme is mystifying and unnecessary.

The only other poem I actually book-dart'ed though is "A Blessing" by James Wright. The narrator visits with two Indian ponies and, as poets do, notices the sublime in the everyday, closing with:

"Suddenly I realize
That if I stepped out of my body I would break
Into blossom." show less

An intriguing story of a book of poetry meant to be a hoax. After reading the poetry, included in the book, I have to say I rather liked Ann Knish's work.

This is my absolute favorite book of poems. The illustrations are soft and pastel colored with the poetry complementing the pictures. William Jay Smith is a wonderful poet in his own right and here he has also collected love poems from favorites like Robert Louis Stevenson. "A pavane for the nursery" is the most lyrical, most fun and most sweet poem in my entire library of books!

Found a used copy . . . bought it for the amazing letterpress treatment and woodcuts. Z loved the look, physical feel of the pages, and the cadence of Smith's poetry. For me, the poetry took a backseat.