Scrambled Eggs & Whiskey: Poems, 1991-1995

From the title of Carruth's Collection, Scrambled Eggs and Whiskey, the reader expects a Bukowskiesque collection of poems, but in actuality Carruth's work has great dexterity and range of emotion, is quite supple in its expressive quality, and has the capacity to do a lot of heavy, emotional lifting in a confined space. In this collection, three major themes are explored: Carruth's coming death, his marriage to a much younger woman, (and her fate after he is gone) and the cancer of his adult daughter. Carruth weaves these themes and others into a series of poems which, although outwardly simple in terms of language and style, really penetrate the mysteries of life and death. Of course, death is the main character here, but Carruth is rounded enough in his view to see redemption everywhere, especially in death's nemesis, love.

Do yourself a favor and pick up SCRAMBLED EGGS & WHISKEY -- and follow Hayden Carruth on a journey that masterfully and humbly moves from the most troubling, trying scenes from life to the most redeeming to the everyday and a whole, whole lot in between. Rhythmic, with obvious jazz sensibilities -- and with so much truth -- these poems get to the heart of the matter in ways that make you nod in agreement, laugh out loud or pause in grieving silence or certain solidarity. I am glad this is the book that introduced me to the huge body of Mr. Carruth's work.