Michigan native, specifically from Saginaw, and a fellow enthusiast of education, I discovered that I was more captivated by the life of Roethke than by his poems, as noted in the foreword written by Edward Hirsch.

To be honest, for my personal taste, this collection contained an excessive number of nature poems.

It seems that the focus on nature in these poems might have overshadowed other aspects that could have potentially interested me more.

However, I do understand that nature has been a common and rich theme in poetry, and many readers might find great joy and inspiration in these nature-centered works.

Perhaps if I had a greater appreciation for the beauty and significance of nature in poetry, I would have a different perspective on this collection.

Nonetheless, I still respect the artistry and effort that went into creating these poems, and I look forward to exploring more of Roethke's works in the future to see if my understanding and enjoyment of his poetry will grow.

Selected Poems is a remarkable collection that encompasses poems from six different collections by Theodore Roethke. These include Open House, The Lost Son & Other Poems, Praise to the End!, The Waking: Poems: 1933 - 1953, Words for the Wind: The Collected Verse, and The Far Field.

Each collection offers a unique perspective into Roethke's poetic world. For example, in Open House, we find the poem "Long Live the Weeds" which celebrates the unholy and wild aspects of the universe. The poem "Weed Puller" from The Lost Son & Other Poems describes the indignity of being down in the fetor of weeds while everything above is blooming.

The collection also includes Roethke's Poems for Children and excerpts from his Notebooks. The Notebooks provide a fascinating glimpse into his thoughts and musings, covering a wide range of topics such as the nature of art, the self, and the struggle against oblivion.

Overall, Selected Poems is a rich and diverse collection that showcases Theodore Roethke's talent and creativity as a poet. It is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry and the works of this great American poet.

I had read bits and pieces of Roethke's poetry, but now I have a much broader sense of him.

In terms of subject matter, he can be compared to Whitman, with his connection to the land and all that it implies. However, he is more formal, perhaps more in the vein of Yeats. He also likes to compare himself to figures like Christopher Smart and John Clare.

His influences are indeed an eclectic set, but it often yields good results. In my mind, he is a classic minor poet. There are no poems that completely blow me away, but his work is consistently of good quality.

His poems may not have the immediate impact of some of the greats, but they have a quiet charm and a certain depth that makes them worth reading and rereading.

Overall, I have come to appreciate Roethke's poetry more fully through this deeper exploration of his work.

Recently, I have been exploring a collection of new poems. Some of them have truly amazed me and have quickly become my new favourites. The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking deep emotions. Each line is carefully crafted, carrying a weight and significance that lingers in my mind long after I have finished reading.

However, not all of the poems have had the same impact on me. There are others that I find rather lukewarm. They lack that certain spark or originality that makes a poem truly stand out. While they may be well-written, they fail to capture my attention or touch my heart in the way that the amazing ones do.

Despite this, I still appreciate the effort and creativity that goes into writing each and every poem. It is a form of art that allows the poet to express their thoughts and feelings in a unique and powerful way. And even if some poems don't resonate with me, they may touch someone else's soul and become their new favourite.

Roethke's writing has a certain quality that has an incredibly profound impact on me. Whenever I find myself in a rut, feeling stuck and unmotivated, something about his words manages to jolt my soul loose from its foundations. It's as if his writing has the power to break through the barriers that hold me back and set my spirit free.

I really like his stuff for this very reason. His works are like a breath of fresh air, constantly challenging me and keeping me on my toes. They force me to think differently, to look at the world from a new perspective, and to question my own beliefs and assumptions.

Roethke's writing is not only beautiful and engaging but also deeply meaningful. It speaks to the human condition in a way that few other writers can. His words have the power to inspire, to comfort, and to heal. They are a source of strength and inspiration for me, and I am truly grateful to have discovered his work.

This is an excellent collection that truly catches one's attention.

After going through it once, I have this strong feeling that I should read it a second time.

The content within it seems to hold a certain allure that makes me eager to explore it further.

Each piece in the collection appears to have its own unique charm and message.

Perhaps on the second reading, I will be able to uncover more hidden details and gain a deeper understanding.

I believe that this collection has the potential to offer new perspectives and insights with each successive reading.

It is definitely a worthwhile piece of work that I look forward to delving into again.

Overall, I am highly impressed with this collection and cannot wait to embark on my second reading journey.

I knew a woman, lovely in her bones.

Her beauty was not just on the surface but resided deep within her very essence. It was a beauty that shone through in her every word and action.

Sometimes, a poet has the remarkable ability to speak directly to our souls. Their words have the power to touch us in ways we never thought possible, to reveal hidden aspects of ourselves that we may have overlooked.

And that's exactly what Theo did for me. His poetry was like a guiding light, highlighting the most precious and profound parts of my being, inviting me to gaze into them time and again.

Thank you, Theo, for being such a fabulous poet. Your words have truly made a difference in my life.

This was truly so beautiful.

My favorite poems include:

- "The Lost Son", which takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and longing.

- "Words for the Wind", a piece that seems to dance with the breeze, carrying emotions and thoughts.

- "The Far Field", painting a vivid picture of a distant and perhaps mysterious place.

- "The Rose", a classic symbol of beauty and love, explored in a unique way.

- "In a Dark Time", delving into the depths of human emotions during difficult moments.

- "The Sequel", which perhaps offers a continuation or new perspective on a previous theme or story.

Each of these poems has its own charm and power, captivating the reader and leaving a lasting impression.

Old Florist

That hunched-over man, busily bunching chrysanthemums, or carefully pinching-back asters, or gently planting azaleas. He is tamping and stamping dirt into pots with great care. How skillfully he can flick and pick the rotten leaves or yellowy petals. He can also scoop out the week-old growth close to the flourishing roots. With a light spray, he makes the dust buzz. He drowns a bug in one spit of tobacco juice. He fans life into the wilted sweet-peas with his hat. And he can stand all night watering the roses, his feet turning blue in the rubber boots. This old florist is a master of his trade, dedicated to the beauty and growth of the flowers in his care.

Roethke's gift lies in the remarkable way his words have the power to arrest time.

With many of his poems, I have found myself transported to a realm of stillness, as if I were holding a stopped watch.

I would delight in remaining there for a brief period, completely immersed in the tranquility, before being gently called back to reality by the need for a sip of coffee.

This extraordinary capacity to halt time and so effortlessly open my soul to a specific place is precisely what I consider to be the defining trait of the very best poetry.

It is a quality that allows the reader to escape the constraints of the ordinary and experience a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty and introspection.

Roethke's work exemplifies this trait to a remarkable degree, making his poetry a truly precious and captivating art form.

I really like the way this guy writes about plants.

His descriptions are so vivid and detailed that it makes me feel as if I can actually see the plants he is writing about.

It's like he has a special connection with them and is able to convey that connection through his words.

Oh, and by the way, he also writes about office supplies.

Surprisingly, his writing about office supplies is just as interesting.

He can make even the most mundane things like pens and paper seem exciting and full of character.

I always look forward to reading his articles, whether they are about plants or office supplies.

His writing style is unique and engaging, and it never fails to capture my attention.

I hope he continues to write and share his thoughts and ideas with the world.

Gary Snyder's poetry is very unique in American poetry. It stands out by running against the prevalent anemia and minimalism that characterizes most poetry of this time. His works offer a refreshing and distinct perspective. Snyder's last poems from the book "The Far Field" are especially good. They展现了 his deep connection with nature and his profound understanding of the world around us. If you are looking for a different kind of nature poetry, Snyder's works are highly recommended. His words have the power to transport you to the heart of nature and make you see the beauty and wonder that lies within it.