Poetry. This collection of poems written in January-March, 2006, in place of a planned trip to Veracruz, reveals Kyger at the top of her form--spinning light, everyday, observations that suddenly resonate with philosophical depth and political commitment. Her masterful freedom with form accrues visual power across the page in laconic, down-home notes on the septic tank, teenage horror movies, the neighbor's son, and insomnia. Powerful wit enhances the journey; she's in it for the long haul, and when she writes about the government, you want to pay attention.

Author City: San Francisco, CA USA

A native California writer, Joanne Kyger is the author of more than 20 books of poetry. She is known for her ties to the poets of Black Mountain College, the San Francisco Renaissance, and the Beat Generation. Her most recent books are About Now: Collected Poems, 1957-2004 (National Poetry Foundation, 2007) and Not Veracruz (Libellum Press, 2007). She taught for many years at Naropa University's poetics program, and The New College of San Francisco. She lives on the coast north of San Francisco.