You Must Revise Your Life --by William Stafford (Poets on Poetry)

Nonfiction /essay/poetry

136 pages

3 Stars

 

An interesting book by an interesting man. Basically, it’s how he wrote and taught. If you are new to the writing life, or contemplating it, I recommend reading this book. There are some insights you might find useful. The ones that strike a chord in your psyche, take and own. The others—leave in the book.

 

There was, as one reviewer noted, a smugness to the book that I think was neither needed nor intended. How his way of teaching was so much better than other ways. At least, I hope it wasn’t intended. Although I am not a teacher, I have participated in many workshops, and I found the ones that tempered criticism with a little praise, were the most helpful for me. I don’t think I would have enjoyed a class where neither was given. But, then, again…

 

The most fun was in misreading one of his poems. He wrote ‘map’ I read ‘NAP’. When I realized my mistrake, I re-read it. I like it better with nap.

Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems --by William Stafford

Nonfiction / Poetry  

128 pages / 721 KB

5 Stars

These 100 poems were selected by William Stafford's son. It is my first foray into Stafford's poetry, at least in a book (I've read some of his poems onsey-twosey). All of these poems are good, and a great many are marvelous.

I read them today, July 4th, and as I finished it I smiled—for I am a Vet, and Mr. Stafford was a conscientious objector, and my favorites of his poems were the anti-war ones.

If you've ever wondered if you could write a poem, or even should, pick up a copy of Ask Me, read it, and then in the words of Mr. Stafford, "...write your own."