My son wrote in this book,

"25 April 1988. Beth, Here are some poems that show the way that people think and love. I hope that they help you make it through the long, hot Chicago summer. Love, Greg."

I don't know whether they helped Beth or not. However, these poems are now having a profound impact on me. In the year 2020, as the world is grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, these poems have become a source of solace and inspiration for me.

They transport me to a different time and place, away from the uncertainties and fears that surround us. Each word seems to carry a message of hope and love, reminding me that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and light to be found.

As I read these poems, I am filled with a sense of calm and peace. They help me to focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple things in life. I am grateful to my son for writing these poems all those years ago, and for the gift that they have become to me during this difficult time.

How can I ever forget how Raymond Carver touches the heart? His works are like precious gems that sparkle with profound emotions and insights.

I particularly loved "My Death", "My Crows", "The Party" and "My Dad’s Wallet". Each of these stories has its own unique charm and power.

"My Death" delves into the complex and often overlooked topic of mortality, making us think about our own lives and the inevitability of death.

"My Crows" is a beautiful and poignant tale that explores the relationship between humans and nature.

"The Party" is a humorous and yet thought-provoking story that shows the absurdities of social gatherings and human behavior.

"My Dad’s Wallet" is a touching and personal story that reminds us of the importance of family and the memories we hold dear.

Wow! Raymond Carver's writing is truly remarkable and has had a profound impact on me. His ability to capture the essence of human experience in such a simple and yet powerful way is truly a gift. I will always cherish his works and continue to be inspired by them.

I don't know shit about poems.

Poetry has always been a mysterious and complex art form to me. I struggle to understand the hidden meanings, the rhythm, and the emotions that poets try to convey.

I often find myself lost when reading a poem, not knowing where to start or what to look for. The words seem to dance on the page, but I can't quite catch their rhythm.

I've tried to appreciate poetry, but it just doesn't click with me. Maybe it's because I'm not creative enough, or maybe I haven't found the right poems yet.

But despite my lack of understanding, I still respect the art of poetry. I know that it takes a lot of skill and talent to write a good poem, and I admire those who can do it.

Maybe one day, I'll have a breakthrough and finally understand the beauty of poetry. But for now, I'll just have to admit that I don't know shit about it.

**Title: The Beauty of Nature**

Nature is a wonderland that never fails to amaze us.

It is a place where we can find peace, tranquility, and inspiration.

The mountains rise majestically, their peaks touching the sky.

The rivers flow gently, carrying with them the lifeblood of the earth.

The forests are filled with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind.

In spring, nature awakens from its slumber.

The flowers bloom, painting the landscape in a riot of colors.

The trees sprout new leaves, and the world seems to come alive again.

Summer brings with it warm days and long nights.

The sun shines brightly, and the beaches are filled with people enjoying the water and the sand.

Autumn is a time of change, as the leaves turn golden and red and fall to the ground.

The air is crisp, and the world takes on a magical hue.

Winter blankets the earth in a white blanket of snow.

The world becomes a silent wonderland, and we can enjoy the beauty of the season from the warmth of our homes.

Nature is a source of无尽的欢乐 and inspiration.

It is a place where we can go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

We should all take the time to appreciate the beauty of nature and do our part to protect it for future generations.

I have been working my way through the collected poems, and I must say that this is still a masterful collection.

Each poem seems to be a carefully crafted gem, shining with the author's unique style and profound thoughts.

The words flow effortlessly, painting vivid pictures in my mind and evoking a wide range of emotions.

Some poems are filled with passion and energy, while others are more contemplative and serene.

It is truly a pleasure to沉浸其中 and explore the rich world of poetry that this collection offers.

I find myself constantly coming back to these poems, discovering new meanings and interpretations with each reading.

This collection is not only a testament to the author's talent but also a source of inspiration and joy for all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry.

I have an unwavering love for Carver, and these poems are no exception.

Carver has a unique charm that sets him apart. He is like a Bukowski, but with a touch of sophistication for those who appreciate flights of wine.

His words have the power to transport you to another world, a world filled with raw emotions and hidden meanings.

Each poem is a journey, a exploration of the human condition.

Whether it's a simple observation or a profound reflection, Carver's poetry always manages to strike a chord.

It makes you think, feel, and question.

His use of language is masterful, painting vivid pictures in your mind and leaving you with a lasting impression.

Carver's poetry is a testament to his talent and his ability to capture the essence of life in all its beauty and complexity.

I will continue to cherish his work and be inspired by his words for years to come.

I read this book in conjunction with the Carver memoir, "What It Used to Be Like."

Carver's poems are truly accessible, which makes them a joy to read. They have a certain charm that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are right there with Carver, experiencing his life.

For the most part, the poems are autobiographical, which gives them an added layer of authenticity. It's fascinating to see how Carver uses his own life experiences as the inspiration for his poetry.

By reading both the book and the memoir together, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Carver's work and his life. It was like putting together the pieces of a puzzle and seeing the whole picture emerge.

I would highly recommend this combination to anyone who is interested in Carver's poetry or in learning more about his life. It's a unique and rewarding experience that I will not soon forget.

This is such a delicious, wonderful, and splendid collection of poems.

These poems are so bare, not forcing emotions upon the reader. The poet simply sees and feels, and one can sense that.

The only reason this didn't receive 5 stars is because the poet is a man and I'm just a girl.

Like this book is the musings and reflections of a middle-aged man. He seems to firmly plant himself in that identity throughout his poems. So for someone who isn't that, it wasn't as relatable.

If a woman had written this, I might feel the same pride in her words as a man probably can in this guy's poems.

But he did manage to make me feel and think, and his melancholic tone wasn't depressing. It was a very nice read.

Here are some quotes:

From the poem about romanticism: "The nights are very unclear here. But if the moon is full, we know it. We feel one thing one minute, something else the next."

From the poem about Afghanistan: "The sad music of roads lined with larches. The forest in the distance resting under snow. The Khyber Pass. Alexander the Great. History, and lapis lazuli. No books, no pictures, no knick-knacks please me. But she pleases me. And lapis lazuli. That blue stone she wears on her dear finger. That pleases me exceedingly. The bucket clatters into the well. And brings up water with a sweet taste to it. The towpath along the river. The footpath Through the grove of almonds. My love Goes everywhere in her sandals. And wears lapis lazuli on her finger."

From 'The Trestle': "From there it's not so far to the trestle. And from the trestle I could look down and see my dad when I needed to see him. My dad drinking that cold water. My sweet father. The river, its meadows, and firs, and the trestle. That. Where I once stood. I wish I could do that without having to plead with myself for it. And feel sick of myself for getting involved in lesser things. I know it's time I changed my life. This life the one with its complications and phone calls- is unbecoming, and a waste of time. I want to plunge my hands in clear water. The way he did. Again and then again."

A review on the backcover of this collection characterizes the poems as "distilled, heightened versions of his stories." I really like this description. These poems are essentially short stories with line breaks, and a few even verge on free verse. Most of them seem to be autobiographical, presenting Carver a few years before his death as a happier, more settled, and thoughtful individual. I give it four stars because while I think a few poems are rather mediocre, there are many that I truly love.

"Happiness" is my favorite poem in the collection. The line breaks in "They are so happy / they aren't saying anything, these boys. / I think if they could, they would take / each other's arm" are brilliant and poignant.

One of my favorite passages comes from "The Caucasus: A Romance." I view this collection as Carver's attempt to record the things he sees or remembers, without necessarily being overly interested in dissecting them. These lines convey a similar sentiment: "The scenery is lovely, / you can be sure, and this but a rough record / of the actual and the passing."

Certified Bangers:

There are so many amazing tracks here.

"Radio Waves" might take you on an auditory adventure.

"Fear" could perhaps evoke strong emotions within you.

"Still Looking Out For Number One" gives a sense of self-focus.

"Where Water Comes Together With Other Waters" creates a vivid image.

"Happiness" is a theme that everyone can relate to.

"The Old Days" might bring back memories.

"Next Year" holds the promise of something new.

"Locking Yourself Out, Then Trying To Get Back In" is a unique concept.

"Wenas Ridge" sounds like a place with its own story.

"Reading" can be a source of knowledge and inspiration.

"Rain" has a certain mood and atmosphere.

"At Least" gives a sense of minimalism.

"My Boat" could be a symbol of freedom or exploration.

"In The Year 2020" refers to a specific time period.

"My Dad's Wallet" might have some interesting associations.

"Ask Him" implies a need for information or advice.

"Next Door" is a familiar concept.

"In Switzerland" brings to mind a beautiful and unique place.

"A Squall" can be a powerful and exciting event.

"The Party" is a time of celebration and fun.

"The Hat (I'm Mexican, I can confirm this is just what Mexico City is like irl)" gives a personal perspective.

"Extirpation" has a serious and perhaps even ominous tone.

"My Death" is a profound and thought-provoking topic.

"The Cranes" might have a symbolic meaning.

"Reading Something In The Restaurant" creates a specific setting.

"For Tess" gives a sense of dedication.

Holy shit was this overflowing with bangers, so much amazing stuff.

I'm not a big poetry reader. In fact, I usually shy away from poetry books as I find them a bit intimidating. However, this particular book was an exception.

From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn in by its unique charm. The words seemed to dance off the pages, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

The author's use of language was truly remarkable. Each poem was crafted with such precision and care that it was impossible not to be moved.

Even though I'm not a poetry connoisseur, I could appreciate the beauty and depth of this book. It made me realize that poetry can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, whether they are a seasoned poetry lover or someone who is just starting to explore the world of poetry. It's a gem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Carver is a remarkable poet. He often delves into the themes of drinking, which was once a demon he had to battle and eventually conquered, as well as cigarettes. However, his works are not limited to these. There are also universal themes of simple joy and grace that shine through his poems.

Some of his poems, for me, rate a solid 3 stars. They are not bad by any means, but they don't quite reach the highest echelons of excellence. On the other hand, there are certain poems like "At Least" and "My Death" that are truly outstanding and deserve a full 5 stars. These poems have a depth and beauty that is simply captivating.

I find myself eager to explore more of Carver's poetry. I am curious to see what other hidden gems and profound insights he has to offer. His unique perspective and ability to capture the essence of life in his words make him a poet worth reading and studying. I look forward to uncovering more of his works and being further inspired by his talent.