Poetry. The nuanced mysteries of light, darkness, presence, and memory are central themes in W.S. Merwin's new book of poems. "I have only what I remember," Merwin admits, and his memories are focused and profound-the distinct qualities of autumn light, a conversation with a boyhood teacher, well- cultivated loves, and "our long evenings and astonishment." In "Photographer," Merwin presents the scene where armloads of antique glass negatives are saved from a dumpcart by "someone who understood." In "Empty Lot," Merwin evokes a child lying in bed at night, listening to the muffled dynamite blasts of coal mining near his home, and we can't help but ask: How shall we mine our lives? W.S. Merwin, author of over fifty books, is America's foremost poet. His last two books were honored with major literary awards: MIGRATION won the National Book Award, and PRESENT COMPANY received the Bobbitt Prize from the Library of Congress.

Author Hometown: HAIKU, HI USA



About the author: W.S. Merwin, author of over fifty books, is America's foremost poet. His last two books were honored with major literary awards: Migration won the National Book Award, and Present Company received the Bobbitt Prize from the Library of Congress. He lives in Hawaii where he raises endangered palm trees.

Reviews:
http://coldfrontmag.com/reviews/the-shadow-of-sirius
http://edwardbyrne.blogspot.com/2009/12/poet-of-year-ws-merwin.html