Wonderful poetry!

No, I honestly think it is the best poetry.

Poetry has the power to touch our hearts and souls, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible. It can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of the poet.

The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to use words in a creative and imaginative way. The rhythm, the rhyme, the imagery - all of these elements come together to create a work of art that is truly unique.

Whether it is a sonnet, a haiku, or a free verse poem, each one has its own charm and appeal. Some poems make us laugh, some make us cry, and some make us think deeply about the meaning of life.

In conclusion, I believe that poetry is one of the greatest gifts that humanity has to offer. It enriches our lives and makes us better people. So, the next time you pick up a book of poetry, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful words that are before you.

Japhy Freaking Ryder, man! He has his first book of poems.

I don't know why I'm giving it FOUR stars. Maybe it's because it's not my absolute favorite book of his poetry.

However, it's still really great. A lot of his lore involves working in the North East.

And then the Cold Mountain Poems several times left me in that high haiku space.

If you like the Beats, you should definitely check it out.

If you like logging, it's worth a look.

If you're into Eastern philosophy, this book is for you.

And if you like Yab Yum, well, you should check it out too!

Overall, it's a book that offers something for a variety of interests.

Whether you're a fan of poetry, a lover of nature, or someone interested in different philosophies, there's a chance you'll find something to enjoy in Japhy Freaking Ryder's first book of poems.

So don't hesitate to give it a try and see for yourself what makes this book special.

The riprap poems are truly the best. At least, that's the case with the beginning of the collection where the majority of the poems focus on his time in California and Washington. He worked in the logging communities or went climbing mountains when the workers were laid off or on strike. These experiences are all beautifully rendered and extremely vivid.

On the other hand, the cold mountain poems mainly revolve around Japan and Buddhism, and they are more difficult to relate to.

Overall, this collection earns 4 stars. It offers a diverse range of themes and experiences, with the riprap poems standing out for their engaging and detailed描绘 of life in specific regions and work environments. The cold mountain poems, while perhaps less accessible to some readers, add an interesting dimension to the collection with their exploration of different cultures and spiritual concepts.

Snyder's early poetry

is truly remarkable. The words he employs are pared down to their absolute minimum excess, resulting in a maximum intensity that captivates the reader.

Each word seems to be carefully chosen and placed, carrying a weight and significance that belies its simplicity.

This minimalist approach allows the essence of his ideas and emotions to shine through with a clarity and power that is truly breathtaking.

Snyder's early poetry is a masterclass in the art of using language to its fullest potential, stripping away the unnecessary and leaving only the most essential elements to create a profound and lasting impact.

It is a body of work that demands to be read and reread, each time revealing new depths and nuances that reward the patient and attentive reader.

Read this for May 2024 California Book Club.

This is Snyder's first published collection in 1959, and it is the first thing I have read from him. It is a unique mix. It contains his own poetry like "Riprap", and also includes translations of the Cold Mountain Poems by the Chinese poet Han-shan, who lived in the 600s or 700s AD.

My favorites within this collection are the ones related to the Sierra Nevada and outdoor work. Poems such as "Hay for the Horses", "Thin Ice", and the Piute Creek poems really stand out. While reading the Piute Creek poems, I found myself wondering where Piute Creek is. They brought to my mind the area around Shaver Lake in Fresno County, especially the granite. Fortunately, the Afterword provides an explanation. It turns out that he worked in Yosemite along Piute Creek, which is not far at all from Shaver. Most likely, it's the same granite formation.

I am now extremely curious about Snyder's later work. There is a vast amount of it, and he even won a Pulitzer. I look forward to exploring more of his literary contributions.

Simply put, "Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems" is truly one of the most outstanding books of poetry that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I would unhesitatingly rank this work up there alongside Raymond Carver's "All of Us" and Jim Harrison's "Dead Man's Float". The brutally honest, simple, and sparse prose that comprise this thin collection, which happens to be Snyder's first, is truly captivating. What's more, the book is beautifully rounded off by Snyder's translations of the remarkable and simple work of Han-Shan, a 7th century Chinese poet who, in many ways, would have felt right at home in the 20th century backcountry of America.

This book has completed the long and steady ascent of Gary Snyder to the status of one of my all-time favorite poets. There is no doubt that he is among the greats. His unique style and profound insights into the human condition and the natural world make his work a joy to read and a source of inspiration. I highly recommend "Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems" to anyone who has a love for poetry and a desire to explore the beauty and complexity of the written word.

A gift of poetry that I enjoyed immensely.

Poetry has always been a source of inspiration and beauty for me. When I received a gift of poetry, it was like opening a treasure chest filled with precious words and emotions.

The poems in the collection were diverse, ranging from love sonnets to nature odes. Each one had its own unique charm and style, captivating my heart and imagination.

As I read through the pages, I was transported to different worlds and experiences. I felt the joy and pain of the poets, shared their dreams and hopes.

The gift of poetry was not only a pleasure to read but also a source of comfort and solace. It reminded me of the power of words to heal, inspire, and connect us with one another.

I will always cherish this gift of poetry and continue to explore the wonderful world of literature.

His first book is truly remarkable. It is filled with concrete and vivid descriptions that bring the scenes and characters to life.

The author's use of imagery is outstanding, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind.

Each word seems carefully chosen to create a powerful and engaging reading experience.

Whether it's the description of a beautiful landscape or the emotions of a character, the book leaves a lasting impression.

It is a testament to the author's talent and creativity.

Readers will find themselves immersed in the world of the book, unable to put it down until the very end.

Overall, his first book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature.

I'll say flat out that Mr. Snyder's philosophy differs from that in which I was reared and still patently operate.

I have lived in Japan where I had the pleasure of learning about the fascinating culture there. However, I did not soak up its prevailing philosophy as deeply as this author did.

Thrice, I carefully read Snyder's preface to the Cold Mountain Poems (page 35), which in turn fills the final fifty percent of this little volume. And yet, I'm still confused as to exactly who wrote all the Cold Mountain Poems in this book.

For me, the best line in this slim volume was from the author's Afterword on page 65: "The bedrock is so brilliant that it shines back at the crystal night stars." This evocative line is sublime poetry!

The paragraph describes the author's part-time work as a trail crew laborer at Yosemite National Park. I can relate since at one time, I volunteered to repair trail wear damage done by summer hikers high on Mount Rainier in the National Park located near Ashford, Washington.

It's interesting to note how different our experiences and perspectives can be, even when we are both engaged in similar activities in the great outdoors.

Perhaps this is what makes literature and the sharing of our stories so valuable, as it allows us to gain insights into the lives and thoughts of others.

I look forward to further exploring Snyder's work and seeing what else I can learn from his unique perspective.

Riprap is a remarkable collection consisting of 23 poems penned by Gary Snyder.

Among this assemblage, "Hay for the Horses" stands out as my personal favorite and is perhaps Snyder's most renowned poem.

The majority of the poems in this collection draw inspiration from the various jobs he held during his youth.

"At five a.m. off the north coast of Sumatra" is yet another outstanding poem within this compilation, exuding a sense of excitement.

However, there is only one poem that I didn't quite take to, likely due to my lack of knowledge about Japan.

The Cold Mountain Poems, which Snyder translated from old Japanese, are just okay but offer an interesting historical perspective. Overall, my stance towards them is neutral.

This collection is highly recommended, especially if you are seeking the original source of "Hay for the Horses."

Gentle, sweet, natural... These are the words that come to mind when we think of a beautiful smile. A smile has the power to brighten up a room, to make someone's day, and to create a connection between people.

It is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. A gentle smile can convey kindness and warmth, while a sweet smile can make hearts flutter.

And a natural smile is the most precious of all, as it reflects the true essence of a person's inner beauty.

Whether it's a smile of joy, a smile of relief, or a smile of love, each one has its own unique charm. So, let's all share more smiles and spread the love and happiness that comes with them.

After all, a smile is the cheapest and most effective way to make the world a better place.

I was with Snyder for many of the Riprap poems. However, then came the part of the book that I had been most eagerly looking forward to reading, namely the poems influenced by some truly brilliant Chinese poetry.

It isn't just that the Zen preaching turned me off, although it really did. But these poems are to Chinese poetry what Eric Clapton is to the American Blues. It's nice that Snyder and Clapton admire these wonderful works.

Yet, their own versions are rather insipid and unsubstantial. It's as if they fail to capture the true essence and spirit of the original works. Instead of presenting a vibrant and faithful interpretation, they offer something that is more like a watered-down imitation.

Perhaps they lack the necessary cultural understanding or the ability to truly translate the profound beauty and meaning of the Chinese poetry into their own works. As a result, what we get are poems that, while perhaps pleasant enough on the surface, ultimately fall short of the mark when compared to the masterpieces that inspired them.