New & Selected Poems: 1974-1994 (Revised)

Stephen Dunn is among the top 5 contemporary American poets--I would place him at the top. His poems are honest and powerful and impeccably crafted. I think he should be required reading, but then again I think no one should go out the door and about their business until they have spent some quiet minutes with some great poetry. Food for the soul. His book of essays, Walking Light, is also brilliant.

I was first introduced to Stephen Dunn in college creative writing classes. I bought this collection first, and have read it over and over. When I have had close friends that appreciate the arts come into or leave my life, or go through a tough or introspective stage, I have passed on this collection to them--hopefully, to inspire them as it has me. Dunn has brilliant observations on the human condition, from the silly everyday things to the most life changing events that we all ultimately share. He is one of the few poets that I have read that can combine the headiness of abstract and philosophical ideas with descriptive and moving personal details to craft poems you will want to read many times throughout your life. Beautifully delicate, honest and thoughtful.

Having read most of Dunn's poetry, and in particular, having read this book several times, I find that Dunn is a writer I can always come back to. His style is unique, and always gets to the crux of what seems to drive human actions. Not only are his poems accessible and inspiring but they exemplify why I read poetry.

Whether you're a novice of poetry or the next "Great One," you'll connect with these poems by Dunn. Not only is he truly a master of the language in free verse form, but also a master of bringing any subject matter to life. He has an understanding beyond what many poets often do, but at the same time he communicates this understanding through very accessible and clear writing. I am always going back to this book of poetry by Dunn. (in particular, be sure to read "The Routine Things Around the House" and "At the Smithville Methodist Church")