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The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke

theodore roethke

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This paperback edition contains the complete text of Roethke's seven published volumes plus sixteen previously uncollected poems. Included are his Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners The Walking, Words for the Wind , and The Far Field .

290 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1961
Literary awards
national book award finalist, 

This edition

Format
290 pages, Hardcover
Published
September 1, 1982 by Univ of Washington Pr
ISBN
9780295959733
ASIN
0295959738
Language
English

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About the author

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theodore roethke

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American poet Theodore Roethke published short lyrical works in The Waking (1953) and other collections.

Rhythm and natural imagery characterized volumes of Theodore Huebner Roethke. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1954 for his book, The Waking. Roethke wrote of his poetry: The greenhouse "is my symbol for the whole of life, a womb, a heaven-on-earth." From childhood experiences of working in floral company of his family in Saginaw, Roethke drew inspiration. Beginning is 1941 with Open House, the distinguished poet and teacher published extensively; he received two National Book Awards among an array of honors. In 1959, Yale University awarded him the prestigious Bollingen Prize. Roethke taught at Michigan State College, (present-day Michigan State University) and at colleges in Pennsylvania and Vermont before joining the faculty of the University of Washington at Seattle in 1947.

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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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mari05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The poem "Elegy for Jane" is truly and absolutely immortal. It holds a special place and most definitely deserves to be included in every anthology of English verse. It should be right there alongside other great works such as Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle" and Archibald Macleish's "Ars Poetica".

This collection is filled to the brim with poems that are an absolute pleasure to read. Each time one revisits them, they do not grow tiresome or lose their charm. Instead, they continue to captivate the reader and draw them in, offering new insights and emotions with each reading. It is a collection that is sure to be cherished by lovers of poetry for years to come.

It is a testament to the power and beauty of language that these poems can have such a lasting impact and remain relevant and engaging even after countless readings. They are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the wonderful world of poetry that awaits us.

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_yunxue
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Probably my favorite post WWII poet is [poet's name].

He has a unique style that strays from the genres that dominated the 50s and 60s. While many poets during that time were focused on traditional forms and themes, he dared to explore new territories.

His works are characterized by a vivid imagination and a deep understanding of human nature. He uses language in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, often creating images that stay with the reader long after the poem has been read.

What I love most about his poetry is the way he can capture the essence of a moment or an emotion and convey it to the reader with such clarity and power. His poems are not just words on a page; they are a window into his soul and a reflection of the world around us.

In conclusion, [poet's name] is a truly remarkable poet whose works deserve to be read and studied by anyone who has an appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry.
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ZenZen7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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He sings for me at every turn.

Just like with my other essential poets, I never cease to grow into him. His words are like a gentle breeze that caresses my soul, awakening emotions and thoughts I never knew existed.

With each song, he takes me on a journey through his world, sharing his joys, sorrows, and dreams. I find myself lost in the beauty of his melodies and the depth of his lyrics.

As I listen to him, I feel a connection that goes beyond the music. It is as if he is speaking directly to my heart, understanding my innermost desires and fears.

His songs have become a part of my life, a source of inspiration and comfort. I know that no matter what happens, his music will always be there to guide me and make me feel less alone.

I am grateful for the gift of his voice and the impact he has had on my life. He is truly a remarkable artist, and I look forward to growing into him even more with each passing day.
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d_t_a0811
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The shorter, rhyming poems of Roethke are truly my favorites.

They have a unique charm that captivates the reader from the very first line.

This particular collection from this talented poet is a wonderful addition to any poetry lover's library.

The poems are filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions that touch the heart.

One of the standout poems in the collection is "The Waking."

It explores themes of self-discovery and the cycle of life in a profound and thought-provoking way.

The rhymes add a musical quality to the poem, making it a joy to read aloud.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of poetry.

Roethke's shorter poems are a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to create works that will stand the test of time.

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NikyNeko
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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There are several poems by Roethke that I truly relished. When I initially embarked on reading his works, I had certain expectations, envisioning many of the poems to be similar to "Papa's Waltz". However, I was rather astonished by the remarkable variety and the diverse kinds of poetry present in this collection. It was a pleasant (and at times, unpleasant) surprise. The collection encompassed a wide range of themes, emotions, and writing styles. Some of the poems were deeply moving, tugging at my heartstrings with their profound insights and vivid imagery. Others were more experimental, challenging my preconceived notions of what poetry could be. Roethke's ability to explore different aspects of the human experience through his poetry is truly remarkable. It made me realize that there is so much more to his body of work than I had initially anticipated. I look forward to delving deeper into his poetry and uncovering more of its hidden gems.

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Seigfried_XO
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I need to figure out what poems I read in Premier Book of Major Poets: An Anthology that made me desire this book so强烈, because it was极其乏味且令人失望。也许我还不够成熟去理解它，但这个人对叶子的漫谈几乎和沃尔特·惠特曼一样多。也许那不是我的风格。我觉得我需要更多的结构。就像如果你要谈论一条河，就完成这个想法。如果你要谈论爱情，不要在中途打断自己去开始谈论岩石上的污垢。真令人沮丧。话虽如此，以下是我真正喜欢的诗：

- 《献给一位多情的女士》
- 《春天的情感》
- 《觉醒》
- 《他的预感》（最喜欢的一行：“我所知道的最孤独的事情，是我自己的思想在嬉戏。”）
- 《害羞的人》
- 《天竺葵》
- 《离开疗养院有感》

Perhaps I was too impatient or simply not in the right mindset to fully appreciate the poems in this anthology. However, I did manage to find a few gems that stood out to me. "For An Amorous Lady" had a certain charm that made me smile. "Vernal Sentiment" captured the essence of spring in a beautiful way. "The Waking" was thought-provoking and made me reflect on my own life. "His Foreboding" with its powerful line really stuck with me. "The Shy Man" was a relatable and endearing poem. "The Geranium" added a touch of beauty and simplicity. And "Lines Upon Leaving A Sanitarium" had a certain poignancy that tugged at my heartstrings. Despite my initial disappointment, these poems gave me hope that there was still something of value to be found in this collection.
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enembo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Reading "The Lost Son" is an experience that takes you on an emotional journey. The story unfolds with a sense of mystery and longing. The main character, a son who has been lost, embarks on a path of self-discovery. As you read, you can't help but empathize with his struggles and hopes. The author's vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life, making you feel as if you are right there with the characters. You can almost see the landscapes, feel the emotions, and understand the complex relationships. "The Lost Son" is not just a story; it's a reflection on life, love, and the search for meaning. It makes you think about your own life and the choices you have made. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

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Anantanaga
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I first came across Roethke's name while delving into the captivating Dune books. Apparently, Frank Herbert was a great admirer of this once better-known poet. As I delved into his work, I could clearly see the allure that had drawn Herbert. Roethke definitely has a mystical inclination that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

What I truly appreciate about his poetry is the heavy emphasis on nature. His vivid descriptions of the natural world bring it to life in a most beautiful way. Additionally, the rhythm in his poems is simply exquisite. There are lines that seem to lack traditional syntax, yet they manage to please the ear and create a unique musicality. It is evident that this man took great delight in words and the power of their sound.

However, there are aspects that I liked less. There is a bit too much repetition at times. I understand that this is a collection that spans many years, which might account for it. But one can only read about minnows and vireos so many times before it starts to feel a bit tiresome. I also found his limericks and "light verses" to be somewhat ordinary. For those, I'll stick to the wonderful works of Lear. Roethke truly shines when he is contemplating the magic of soil and trees, exploring the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

Overall, Roethke's poetry is a rich and complex tapestry, with both its strengths and weaknesses. It offers a unique perspective on the world and invites readers to engage with the beauty and mystery of nature.
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