Death Song

Thomas McGrath was a powerful poet. His poetry continues to touch the lives of his readers. This is man who deserves to be recognized for the great poetic talent that he was. Reading his poems will move you to tears. Give you self some time for reflection as you read them.

Thomas McGrath was truly one of the most talented of 20th Century US poets. His life was lived to the fullest and he espoused, and suffered for, a political philosophy with which most of us would disagree. A knowledge and understanding of this life makes the reading of his poetry the more enjoyable. The poems in this book range over tributes to family, reflections of childhood and the influence of his travels and travails. Most powerful are the glimpses into the inevitability and the drawing near of the end-particularly powerful in this aspect is "Waiting". These poems need to be read in small bites with plenty of time and quietude for reflection upon each.

Thomas McGrath was truly one of America's finest poets. It makes me so sad to see his books going out of print without ever reaching the audience that they deserved. Unfortunately, you will not be reading this unless you already know what I am talking about. In that case Death Song is as moving, powerful, abrasive, and sweet as all of McGrath's poetry. Perhaps, because of it timing and my attachment to McGrath I found it almost painful to read, as if listening to all the sorrows and joys of his life come to an end. It wasn't an easy life, but it was a beautiful one. This book shows that and is worthy of a great poet.