Practice on Mountains
We close with a breathtaking collection of poetry: Practice on Mountains, by David Bartone, the most original, expressive thinker and writer we’ve encountered on this rollicking university tour. (An understatement, to be sure.) Bartone’s voice is thick with brutally honest introspection that doesn’t ever take itself too seriously. The lightness combined with incomparable wordcraft demands to be read by everyone who cares about poetry.
David, help us take our leave. From “Slippage is a Privilege Theme”:
“I answer questions with a pause, they know all my tricks by
now.
It is November 17.
The point in the semester where by now we have terrific
rapport.
…
The point they all point to the laughter moment in every teachable moment, and having perhaps dumbly encouraged it for two months, I am now beginning to show my discomfort with their mirth. I invent an obnoxious assignment for them to perform, the most beautiful person in the room is the one who seems to notice what I’m up to, I am always surprised to discover who it is this time.
…
This too is how love’s fallen into.
…
The person that is most looking at you.”
Reviewed by
Matt Sutherland
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
