Lasting: Poems on Aging

Lasting: Poems On Aging, deftly edited by Meg Files, is an encouraging collection of poetic interpretations and depictions of aging and the nearing of death. As a remarkable understanding of life and one's past, Lasting is an artistic review of many excellent poets' work, and is a uniquely engaging read. Headset (in memory of my mother) Rachmaninoff's Second is upon me;/ I conjure all the opera music you knew,//how lush your contralto heart, how fine your gloss/of Kansas City piano music; how swift your frock//at the Comus; I watch you cutting papa's/hair; there ain't no hair like his under those deft fingers.//"Write nothing down," you said;/no notes fine enough, not even ashes.

From the marvelous painting on the front to the 158 poems inside, this is one of the finest books of accessable heart-felt poetry I have seen. Some of the best known poets today such as Billy Collins, Robert Bly, N. Scott Momaday, and W.S. Merwin write deeply, outrageously, touchingly, and humorously about the land they now or will inhabit, old age. We all face an inveitable journey there, and can perhaps understand it better when we see it through these wonderfully unflinching eyes.