I light my first cigarette of the day and turn away from the window with a shudder. The cold air seems to seep into my bones, making me shiver involuntarily.

The foghorn sounds again, its mournful tone filling me with apprehension. It is as if the foghorn is a harbinger of something bad to come, something that I cannot escape.

And then, then stupendous grief washes over me. It is a grief so intense that it takes my breath away, leaving me feeling hollow and empty inside. I try to push it away, but it is too powerful, too overwhelming.

I stand there, smoking my cigarette and trying to come to terms with the emotions that are churning inside me. The world outside is a blur of gray, and I feel as if I am lost in a sea of sadness.

Simply put, I absolutely adored this book. From the moment I laid eyes on the beautiful introduction, I was captivated. The words seemed to dance off the page and draw me in. As I delved deeper into the collection of poems, I found myself completely immersed in the author's world. Each poem was a unique and powerful exploration of emotions, experiences, and ideas.

The language used was rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in my mind. I could feel the author's joy, pain, and longing as if it were my own. The book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from moments of pure happiness to deep sadness. By the time I reached the very last line of the last poem, I was left with a sense of bittersweetness. It was a truly moving and unforgettable read that will stay with me for a long time.

His last book is truly a masterpiece.

It is so beautiful that it seems to capture the essence of his entire life's work.

The last poem within it, titled "Last Fragment," is a profound and moving piece. He expresses his desire for it to be read at his funeral, perhaps as a final farewell and a way to leave a lasting impression on those who attend.

And then there is the poem "Hummingbird," which he wishes to be read by a lover.

One can only imagine the tenderness and passion that this poem holds, as if it were a love letter written in verse.

Together, these poems and the entire book create a powerful and unforgettable literary experience.

I had no idea who Carver was until some years after I read the book.

I initially bought the book solely because of its title and the profound effect the first few pages had on me.

The way the author was able to write so honestly and openly about one's own impending death was truly an extraordinary accomplishment.

It made me stop and think about the fragility of life and the importance of facing our own mortality.

As I delved deeper into the book, I began to understand the significance of Carver's work.

His writing style was simple yet powerful, and his stories were filled with complex characters and emotions.

It wasn't until years later that I truly appreciated the genius of Carver and his contribution to literature.

His work continues to inspire and move readers around the world, and I am grateful to have discovered his books.

So, I still don't think Raymond Carver is a very good poet. However, that didn't prevent me from having a deep affection for some of the short stories in this collection. 'What the Doctor Said' is justly famous, as it makes universal one of those tragic, tragi-comic moments.

The doctor's words are so blunt and harsh, yet the narrator's response is so matter-of-fact and accepting. It's a powerful exchange that shows the human capacity to face even the most dire news with a certain degree of equanimity.

'Margo' is a slight story, but it moves me. The idea of a woman breaking free from the constraints of her life and venturing out on her own, under her own power, is both inspiring and liberating.

'A New Path to the Waterfall' was published after Carver's death, and in her introduction, Gallagher provides some fascinating insights into the making of this last book. She writes about working with Carver, the structure of the book, and the introductions of poemised extracts of texts by Chekov.

She also shares some personal anecdotes about Carver, including how he told her he was trying to do for her what she would do for him, and how on a last fishing trip to Alaska, they spent mornings working on the manuscript and afternoons with their friends.

In her final pages, Gallagher defends Carver's decision to spend time on poetry, arguing that it offers a gift of freshness in a passionless era. And indeed, the passion, intimacy, and gratitude that rise off this collection are palpable.

'Gravy', 'Woman Bathing', and 'Hummingbird (for Tess)' are just a few of the poems that stand out for me, each one offering a unique and beautiful perspective on love, life, and the human experience.

Overall, this collection is a testament to Carver's talent as a writer, and a reminder of the power of words to touch our hearts and souls.

¿Y conseguiste lo que querías de esta vida?

Lo conseguí. ¿Y qué querías?

Considerarme amado, sentirme amado en la tierra.

I've never had the opportunity to read Raymond Carver's fiction. However, his poetry is truly remarkable, being both strong and insightful.

He has a unique way of getting personal in a very comfortable manner. I find it fascinating when he describes those intimate moments, like when he puts on his robe at night and reaches into the pockets only to discover scraps of paper with his brilliant ideas written on them. It feels as if one is right there in that very moment.

The way he expresses his love for Tess Gallagher in his poetry also brings a sense of happiness. It's as if his love is so genuine and palpable that it can't help but touch the hearts of the readers.

This collection of his poetry is truly charming. It offers a glimpse into his inner world, filled with emotions, thoughts, and experiences that are both relatable and inspiring. It makes me eager to explore more of his works and discover the depth and beauty that lies within.

Anyone who is acquainted with me is well aware that Raymond Carver holds the position of my all-time favorite fiction writer. However, he is definitely not my favorite poet, despite the fact that some of his poetry was truly and exquisitely beautiful. I had a particular penchant for "Wine", "His Bathrobe Pocket Stuffed with Notes", and "Late Fragment" (which was simply the best). I also deeply appreciated the introduction penned by his wife Tess Gallagher and the concept behind the book. It was fascinating to learn how they collaborated on it and interspersed it with numerous excerpts from Chekhov, as he was Carver's most beloved writer. To me, Carver is what Chekhov must have been to him. In other words, I will dedicate my entire life to attempting to emulate him. And as my dear Tess Gallagher so aptly put it - "I have a right; I love him."

Just when he had given up thinking he'd ever write another line of poetry, she began brushing her hair.

No Need

“I see an empty place at the table. Whose? Whose else? Who am I kidding?

The boat's waiting.

No need for oars or a wind.

I've left the key in the same place.

You know where.

Remember me and all we did together.

Now, hold me tight. That's it.

Kiss me hard on the lips. There.

Now let me go, my dearest.

Let me go.

We shall not meet again in this life,

so kiss me goodbye now.

Here, kiss me again.

Once more. There.

That's enough.

Now, my dearest, let me go.

It's time to be on the way.

The Attic

“Her brain is an attic

where things were stored

over the years.

From time to time her face appears

in the little windows near the top of the house.

The sad face of someone who has been

locked up

and forgotten about.”

Late Fragment

“And did you get what

you wanted from this life,

even so?

I did.

And what did you want?

To call myself beloved,

To feel myself

beloved on the earth.”

5/5

It took me quite a while longer than I expected to finish this.

This is because life and responsibilities always seem to get in the way.

However, I loved this work nonetheless.

I really appreciate how Carver wove his sometimes-strange but always interesting and thought-provoking stories of this seemingly mundane world into poetry.

The poems give off the same vibe as his short fiction does, which is truly captivating.

I would super recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quick read.

It's a great way to escape into a world of unique stories and beautiful language, even if just for a short while.

Whether you're a fan of poetry or short fiction, or just looking for something new and different, this is definitely worth checking out.

The introduction from his wife is truly remarkable.

It provides a unique perspective on the man and his work.

The context in which he wrote these poems adds another layer of depth.

We can imagine the emotions and experiences that influenced his writing.

I may be biased, but the last section of poems really has me crying right now.

The words seem to reach into my soul and touch something deep within.

Each line is filled with such raw emotion and vulnerability.

It's as if the poet is baring his heart and sharing his most intimate thoughts with us.

The power of these poems is undeniable, and I find myself completely captivated by them.

I can't help but wonder what else lies within the pages of his work.

Perhaps there are more hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

I look forward to delving deeper into his poetry and uncovering its many mysteries.

And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?

Well, I did.

But then, what exactly did you want?

I wanted to call myself beloved, to truly feel myself beloved on this earth.

To know that I am cherished and held dear by someone or something.

To experience that warm and tender feeling of being loved unconditionally.

It's not about the grand gestures or the material possessions.

It's about that simple yet profound connection that makes you feel like you belong.

To be able to look in the mirror and say to myself, "I am beloved."

And to carry that knowledge with me wherever I go, knowing that I am loved and that I matter.

This is what I wanted from life, and I am grateful to have achieved it.