Maurice Manning (1)

A beautiful and meditative collection of exquisitely observed poems of praise and wonder. Whether the object is a monotheistic god, spirit, or nature itself, the simple but acutely grateful speaker fills his thoughts with deep and shallow questions about the nature of this distant and unknowable Boss who has filled his life with beauty.

These poems are occasionally melancholy and pensive but always curious. The abundance of nature surround him and that is where he finds himself most at home. show more These poems awaken thoughtfulness and a kind of lovely sadness in the reader. I found myself appreciating the world around me more and all the tiny pleasures existence offers. show less

One Man's Dark hit me right between the eyes. Manning display an amazing breadth of voice in this collection and a striking oscillation from folk tales, myth, lyric poems, and even a prayer. Where I found wisdom I also found humor and a transcendence deeply rooted in the geography of the South.

Manning's first collection is a smorgasbord of form but all revolving around a familiar pit of existential ruminations and an explication of the southern landscape. At their most particular and intimate moments the poems feel both bizarre and familiar. And the depth of empathy for the characters in this constellation is humbling.

Enjoyed this poetry collection quite a lot. Manning conjures a ramshackle cast of Southern characters and shines a light on their small graces. Lots of tree love too, reminded me of “Lanny” at times. “Black praise? I give it then.”