A Primer on Parallel Lives

I've been reading Dan's books for many years and found this new collection as necessary as air and water. He never stops looking at things, and never stops asking us, gently, to stop long enough in our lives to honor the moments they're made of. I praise the peace in this fine book, his careful way of observation, the patience of what it means to be a witness to finding out as William Stafford says, "what the world is trying to be." These are poems to be read as gateways into that other world, the one riding right beside us which we sometimes have trouble comprehending, let alone seeing.

Copper Canyon Press has finally released a new volume of poetry by Dan Gerber and not a minute to soon. Gerber is considered a "Writer's Writer" and thought to be one of the most readable poets practicing today. This, his seventh book of poetry, focuses on his childhood fears, the geography of the California central coast, and his special relationship with nature. These are not new topics for poets. What is special about this work is Gerber's ability to view everyday images and impressions and, using his acute powers of observation, turn ordinary experiences into passion, intimacy, and a vision that will surprise, even startle, the reader. A must have for poetry aficionados.