The early content is truly uninteresting.

The "Notes" section is a curious mix. Half of it is rather good, while the other half is simply amazing.

However, what doesn't come across as self-pitying often appears to be overly self-aware in its attempt to be "fun".

It's as if the author is trying too hard to create an engaging and lighthearted tone, but it sometimes feels forced.

This lack of authenticity can make it difficult for the reader to fully connect with the material.

Perhaps a more natural and organic approach would have been better, allowing the ideas and emotions to shine through without the need for such blatant attempts at entertainment.

Nevertheless, there are still some redeeming qualities in the "Notes" section, and it's worth exploring further to see if there are any hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

My uninformed opinion is that the Romantic subject matter which Roethke took up, such as the abyss and lost innocence, always exists in contrary tension to any poet's choice of language.

The Victorian Romantics attempted to conceal the materiality of their words behind the allure of cadence and rhyme, making the sound itself a part of the sublime. Roethke, in his early poems, curiously dissociated by implementing Mother Goose-like rhyme, a building-block simplicity and wisdom with which to apprehend that for which there are no (simple or sophisticated) words.

To me, I can't help but find these poems rather facetious and difficult to take seriously. This is while acknowledging that I tend to follow those "tweed-coated cliche masters." It is not until his much later work in The Far Field that I pause and gasp. There, he has inhabited both Whitman and Rilke, and modulated them with his peculiar primary-color style. The effect is original within a form (loosely pentametric) that the reader can successfully ignore. Even the end-stopped lines by then cease to be distracting. Hints of this had come earlier, as in "Elegy for Jane," when the subjects were so serious that the form would naturally be forgotten: borne and not created.

A guess: Li-Young Lee almost certainly derived the rose theme of his first book from "The Rose" in "North American Sequence."

Favorite fragments from the notebooks:

"Never be ashamed of the strange."

"Surround yourself with rising waters: the flood will teach you to swim."

"Those who are willing to be vulnerable move along mysteries."

"I trust all joy."

"I am overwhelmed by the beautiful disorder of poetry, the eternal virginity of words."

"As if I'm being tortured by the gods--this feeling there is some great task just beyond, a new triumphal rhythm."

"Get down where your obsessions are. For Christ's sake, shake it loose."

Roethke's poetry is truly remarkable as it is filled with a profound and intense passion for nature, love, and the human body.

His extraordinary ability to understand and express eroticism with such great skill and prowess is truly captivating. It is as if his words have the power to bring these passions to the forefront, making them palpable and vivid.

At times, when reading his poetry, one can almost hear the faint sound of seams weakening and beginning to tear, as if the emotions and desires within are so strong that they can no longer be contained.

What makes his work even more fascinating is his remarkable restraint. He doesn't simply pour out his passions in a wild and unrestrained manner, but instead, he uses his words and imagery with great care and precision, creating a sense of mystery and allure that is absolutely tantalizing.

Roethke's poetry is a masterful exploration of the human experience, filled with passion, beauty, and a touch of the mysterious.

William Wordsworth is a renowned English poet. His works have had a profound impact on the literary world. He is widely known for his vivid descriptions of nature and his exploration of human emotions. Wordsworth's early poems are filled with a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world. However, it is his later poems that truly stand out and are especially loved by many. In his later works, he delves deeper into the human condition, exploring themes such as loss, aging, and the passage of time. His language becomes more refined and his imagery more powerful, allowing readers to connect with his words on a deeper level. Whether it is through his poignant reflections on life or his beautiful depictions of nature, Wordsworth's later poems continue to inspire and move readers to this day.

There's only so much a person should write about flowers and dirt and slugs.

Senor Roethke has clearly crossed that line.

It seems as if he has an unquenchable thirst for exploring the minutiae of the natural world.

While flowers can be beautiful and dirt is an essential part of the ecosystem, and slugs have their own unique charm in their slimy way, one wonders if there is really that much more to say.

Perhaps Senor Roethke sees something in these elements that others do not.

Maybe he is able to uncover hidden meanings and emotions that are tied to the simple things in nature.

Or perhaps he is just overly passionate about his subject matter and cannot help but write and write until he has exhausted every possible angle.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that Senor Roethke's writing about flowers, dirt, and slugs has gone beyond what most people would consider necessary or even interesting.

But who are we to judge? Maybe his words will open our eyes to a new way of seeing the world around us.

Amazingly spare, this work is yet brimming with gorgeous imagery and a fully-engaged poetic heart.

His descriptions are truly remarkable. With elegance and economy, his language weaves a tapestry of vivid pictures that dance before the reader's eyes.

It is as if each word is carefully chosen, placed with precision to create a masterpiece of literary art.

The beauty of his writing lies not only in the words themselves but in the emotions and ideas they convey.

It is a journey into a world of imagination and wonder, where the reader is transported to new heights of understanding and appreciation.

His work is a testament to the power of language and the beauty of poetry.

It leaves a lasting impression on the reader, inspiring them to look at the world in a new way and to find beauty in the simplest of things.

I find Roethke damn frustrating.

Often times, his works seem just silly, lacking in depth and substance.

The language he uses can be strained and histrionic, as if he is trying too hard to make an impact.

However, every now and then, there is some perfect and graceful line that just sparkles.

These rare moments of beauty and inspiration make me think that there might be more to Roethke than meets the eye.

Perhaps I need to look deeper, to try and understand the true essence of his poetry.

Maybe then, I will be able to appreciate his work for what it truly is.

Until then, I will continue to be frustrated by his inconsistencies, but also hopeful that I will discover more of those magical lines that make his poetry so unique.

So beautiful!

Every other page is marked to go back and read. It's truly captivating.

The words seem to dance off the page, pulling me in deeper with each turn.

I find myself completely engrossed, unable to put it down.

I can't wait to read more of him.

His writing style is unique and engaging, making it a pleasure to explore his work.

Each sentence is carefully crafted, painting a vivid picture in my mind.

It's like embarking on a thrilling adventure with every paragraph.

I'm eager to discover what lies ahead and see where his words will take me next.

This is definitely a book that I'll cherish and recommend to others.

I'm already looking forward to reading more of his works in the future.

A very different poet indeed, Roethke presents an interesting, whimsical, and almost childlike progression of sound and narrative in his works. This selected poems collection begins by highlighting the more "rhyme-time-y" verses, which are full of playful rhythms and cadences. As the collection progresses, it moves on to pieces that offer a bit more room for the sounds to open up and resonate. The unique combination of light sound and dark undertone in Roethke's poetry makes him, in my opinion, one of the most interesting poets. His ability to create such a contrast and evoke a wide range of emotions through his use of language is truly remarkable. Each poem seems to tell a story, drawing the reader in and inviting them to explore the depths of his imagination.

I keep putting this down for other books.

It seems that whenever I pick up your work, Roethke, something else always manages to draw my attention away.

I find myself easily distracted, my mind wandering to other stories and other worlds.

But I'm sorry, Roethke. I truly am.

I realize that your words deserve my full attention and respect.

This week, I promise to try harder to concentrate.

I will make a conscious effort to block out the distractions and fully immerse myself in your poetry.

I want to understand the depth of your emotions, the beauty of your language.

No more will I let other books take precedence over yours.

Roethke, you have my word that this week, I will give you the focus and dedication that you deserve.

I first encountered these poems after delving into a portion of The Far Field, and from that moment on, I have been deeply enamored with them.

There is an inherent darkness and starkness within these verses that simultaneously coexist with an abundance of vivid images of plants and nature. At times, these depictions of nature are gentle and kind, as if inviting us into a warm embrace. However, there are also moments when they are fraught with danger, lurking beneath the surface like hidden threats.

I had not revisited these poems for a considerable period, but upon returning to them once again, I was reminded of the unique allure they possess. They have the power to transport me to a world where the beauty and brutality of nature intertwine, leaving a lasting impression on my heart and mind.

His poems about childhood are truly exquisite.

Take, for example, "My Papa's Waltz" and "Root Cellar." These two works are masterpieces that engage every single one of the senses in his writing.

In "My Papa's Waltz," the reader can almost feel the rough hands of the father as he twirls the child around, hear the sound of the whiskey on his breath, and smell the sweat and the musty odor of the cellar.

Similarly, in "Root Cellar," the author brings to life the dank, cool atmosphere of the cellar, the earthy smell of the vegetables, and the soft, moist feel of the soil.

His use of vivid imagery and sensory details makes his poems come alive and allows the reader to experience childhood in a whole new way.

It is no wonder that his poems about childhood are so beloved and have stood the test of time.