Poetry. Five decades of work are reflected in this expansive collection. Beginning with Kenny's earliest work, continuing with selections from his next eighteen books, and concluding with thirty new poems, the book follows the career of this renowned Native American writer. "These are magnificent. What I'm struck with most is this: memory becomes much more than lament. It becomes a living celebration" --Alan Steinberg. SPD has carried Kenny's works, such as BACKWARD TO FORWARD and STORIES FOR A WINTER'S NIGHT, for years. "The evening river carries no sound.../ not the bark of this fox whose skull/ weights my hand,/ not the wind of this hawk/ feather tucked into the buttonhole of my shirt" --from "Black River".

Author City: Potsdam, NY USA

Maurice Kenny is a Mohawk poet. Maurice Kenny was born in Watertown, NY in 1929. His father is Mohawk from Canada, his mother was born in upstate New York. The family spent time living both on and off the nearby reservation. Kenny's father was a stern man, given to rough treatment of his son and at 16 Maurice ran away from home. He lived in New York City for a brief period before returning home. Maurice Kenny lives between Saranac Lake, and Potsdam. He occasionally teaches at North Country Community College, but currently is assigned courses at SUNY Potsdam.