Landing in New Jersey with Soft Hands

Seems like lifetimes ago this book made me miss my bus I dog-eared it with much love. We run into each other once and a while and I can't wait to see him again. I have a lot of adventures to share, and I've been missing my friend :> This book is a tresure of mine, and I still bring it to readings to share my favorites. much love to BJ Ward from RinTheRed

I first encountered BJ Ward's poetry in the February issue of Poetry Magazine--an incredible poem called "The Star-Ledger." I ordered both his books based on the quality of that poem. I am so glad I did. I feel I've discovered a new world! He is writing with a voice that reminds me a little of the cavalierness of William Carlos Williams, the passion of Pablo Neruda, and the serious playfulness of Anne Sexton. I can't wait for his next book to be released.

I was able to have Mr. Ward as a teacher in a program at my school. After witnessing the charasmatic way he tought our class, I had to buy his book. (Landing in New Jersey with Soft Hand) I read his poetry sporadically and then one day I read, "Something You Haven't Found" and my life was forever changed by that poem. His poem became words to live by for me. I look forward to reading his other book and being touched all over again. If you are in need of a book that not only touches your soul, but enraptures it. This is the book.

I have had many pleasures knowing BJ Ward. He is a good friend of mine, and a colleague. His poetry is of the finest kind to read. It is dark, funny, loving and angry. The reader is invited into a comfortable room, though sparse, and is then treated to one of the most genuine voices we have in poetry, a voice that hides nothing but will not give up its secrets very easily. I find myself enjoying immensely the effort of trying to pry him open