Braving the Elements

I resisted Merrill for a long time, thanks to the whole 'major experimental poem dictated by spirits from the netherworld via a Ouija board' thing. Then a friend, whom I greatly respect, said (or at least implied) that I should read Merrill. Well, it took a while, but I got around to it. And my respected friend was right. Merrill's the perfect mix of experiment and form, feeling and intellect. I sometimes have no idea what he's talking about, but I know that the next poem will be comprehensible, witty, and beautiful. Particularly recommended: Days of 1971, Dreams about Clothes, After the Fire.

Definitely agree with Stillatim. Also recommend "Days of 1935" and "Victor Dog," which is about what the RCA dog hears when he's listening to all those records.