Gorgeous Chaos: New & Selected Poems, 1965-2001

Spanning 35 years, Gorgeous Chaos: New and Selected Poems 1965-2001 brings together work from Jack Marshall's seven previous volumes (including Marshall's three most recent titles also available from Coffee House) along with over a dozen new pieces. Throughout his career, Marshall's work has remained thematically consistent as he meditates on the collision between mystical yearnings and the commonplace, often harsh realities of life. (Even Marshall's Arabic Jewish background embodies the potential for culture clash.) Recent pieces such as ""Re-entry"" observe that while transcendence may not ultimately be possible, the experience of living is enough, and Marshall ""wouldn't change a thing"" as he looks back. The spare yet powerful ""Glimmer,"" propels the reader forward through a dizzying yet measured synthesis of body, mind and spirit. The voice of Marshall's recent work is especially musical and sure, ending this volume on a note that should please both long-time devotees and new fans alike.