Poetry Readers Challenge discussion

How have I missed Henri Cole until now? This book was a gift, and I knew nothing about Cole until the first poem caught me in its undertow. He writes in a breathless, run-on style that feels like flood water pulling you along. Give into it. He’ll land you safely. I read his collection straight through, captive to his magic.

Because of Cole’s liquid language and thought, I forgive the run ons, even celebrate them. I suspect growing up in a home that spoke three languages honed his skill, allowing him to turn words loose to do what they want. Two of my favorite poems, “City Horse” and “Clepsydra,” deal with the aftermath of floods – perfect for his rush of language.

It’s rare to call attention to the book design as part of the magic, but the double spacing of these poems make it easier to stay focused. The white space gives you room to catch your breath.

Only Cole’s words can demonstrate why I love this book. The heartbreaking first poem, “City Horse,” is an ode to an unlikely subject: the corpse of a drowned horse, tied to a telephone pole, lying face down in the muck with a broken leg. It ends

“Oh wondrous horse; O, delicate horse – dead, dead –

with a bridle still buckled around her cheeks – ‘She was more

smarter than me,

she just wait,’ a boy sobs, clutching a hand to his mouth

and stroking the majestic rowing legs,

stiff now, that could not outrun

the heavy, black frothing water.”

“Clepsydra” sounds like a Roman goddess, but is a water clock. In this poem, the narrator has been on his roof in a flood. Lying on his carpet, he

“…thanked my life

for letting me be here,


while Albert mewed

and licked my eyelids…”

The closing explains his choice of title

“When the wind howls

and a sea full of

compressed skulls


surges against

the windows,

we are all children.

It’s the oldest timepiece –

liquid dripping in a tub

until the little clay vessel

fills and sinks to the bottom,

and a bare hand plunges in

to empty and

float it again.”

Enjoyed seeing your enthusiasm for this book, Alarie. Thanks for sharing.

My pleasure. I'm always enthused to discover a poet I enjoy this much. I still feel like a newbie about 12 years of focusing on poetry even though I was an English major way back when. I knew something of 19th c. and early 20th c. greats, but had to find contemporary poets for myself.