Ron Houchin - Böcker

Through silence and song, death and rebirth, a sense of wonder pervades every minute of our lives. In The Man Who Saws Us in Half, Ron Houchin explores this idea from the first curiosities of childhood to the gradual skepticism that comes with age and the weight of practical concerns. In the whimsical poem ""The Lion That Finds You Asleep in His Dream,"" the sleeping figure relives the magical allure of youth, offered both gratuitously and ubiquitously: ""The moon's still high in its arc, / and you know / you spilled from this lion's heart."" With his unique and colloquial voice, Houchin allows the reader to experience familiar subjects anew, to admire the surrounding world with rekindled appreciation and awe.

Wolves howl in the hollow of night, cats yowl from crags and forests, but people describe sunsets, address their dead, pray to what they feel may lie beyond the stars, and perhaps even take note of mysterious figures lurking in alleys. In Talking to Shadows, his latest collection of poems, Ron Houchin replies with sensitivity and wit to things noticed or sensed, offering a celebration of sights, sounds, and objects that elicit responses through the phenomena of their being. Whether evoking the presage of a coming ice age, a photo of an unknown ancestor in a family album, or the presence of nature during a lone walk across a night field, Houchin's poems converse with the shadows of existence that permeate a world filled with beauty and mystery.

“The Southern Poetry Anthology, Volume III, second edition, edited with passion and precision, in collaboration with Texas Review Press, transcends the stereotypes surrounding Appalachia, revealing the true diversity and complexity of Appalachia’s poetic voices. Commitment to showcasing the rich and rewarding literary landscape reflects the evolving spirit of this beautiful region. This anthology serves as a testament to the resilience and beauty found in the works of Appalachian poets, painting a vivid picture of a culture that defies easy categorization. Through carefully selected poems, this edition weaves a tapestry that is as vibrant as it is complicated, offering readers a deeper understanding of Appalachia’s multifaceted identity: nuances, complexities, and sheer beauty that define Contemporary Appalachia. Embark on a literary journey that honors tradition while embracing the contemporary, as The Southern Poetry Anthology, Volume III, invites readers to explore the heart and soul of a region that defies stereotypes and resonates with authenticity.” - William Wright, Series Editor