Love Poems

I never read Kenneth Patchen until American Poetry Review featured his poetry in their magazine. They included a lot of poems (maybe 20?) and I loved the poems. The voice seemed casual and simple, but they moved me. I can't believe I haven't really heard that much about him before them. The poems were a joy to read and Patchen might be my new favorite poet!

I went to the library and took out all the books they had written by Patchen. I went to another library and took out some more. I've liked just about everything I've read by him so far. There are a few poems here and there that are more formal, and I don't like them as much.

I've been to a couple used bookstores since discovering Patchen, and haven't been able to find any copies. Is this because everyone is holding onto their copies? All the library copies of his book seem very old. I don't know if this is because there aren't new copies printed.

The only complaint I have is about his titles. I love the titles, but I wish they weren't often the same as the first lines.

I noticed every single book I read by Patchen was dedicated to his wife, Miriam. I think that's great. I imagined every poem in the book of love poems was about their life together, which I also think is great.

My favorites in the book:

The Smithsonian has recordings of Patchen reading these poems and more.

23rd Street Runs into Heaven

As we are so wonderfully done with each other

The sea is awash with roses

There are not many kingdoms left