In this original work, one of our most distinguished poets and critics considers the nature of poetry as “a recovery, in language, of revelatory awareness in process,” and of structure as a “balancing of pressures active inside the poem.” In fresh, precise language, he presents a compelling theory of poetry based on intimate engagement with the many poems he quotes and discusses.

In this original work, one of our most distinguished poets and critics considers the nature of poetry as “a recovery, in language, of revelatory awareness in process,” and of structure as a “balancing of pressures active inside the poem.” In fresh, precise language, he presents a compelling theory of poetry based on intimate engagement with the many poems he quotes and discusses.