The mooring of starting out The first five books of poetry

At a time when so much routine poetry is being churned out by poets intent on self-promotion, it's heartening to realize that a poet as rigorous as Ashbery is still with us. This is not, alas, a new collection, but never mind. The five early books represented here‘Some Trees (1956), The Tennis Court Oath (1962), Rivers and Mountains (1967), The Double Dream of Spring (1970), and Three Poems (1972)‘have all been out of print for some time, and having them back in one volume is not only delightful but necessary for anyone who cares about poetry. How else can younger readers learn what poetry is all about? This work was put together to honor Ashbery's 70th birthday; an added treat is Jorie Graham's introduction. Recommended for libraries lacking any of these early works. ‘Barbara Hoffert, "Library Journal" (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Two Scenes 1. We see us as we truly behave: From every corner comes a distinctive offering. The train comes bearing joy; The sparks it strikes illuminate the table. Destiny guides the water-pilot, and it is destiny. For long we hadn't heard so much news, such noise. The day was warm and pleasant. "We see you in your hair, Air resting around the tips of mountains." 2. A fine rain anoints the canal machinery. This is perhaps a day of general honesty Without example in the world's history Though the fames are not of a singular authority And indeed are dry as poverty. Terrific units are on an old man In the blue shadow of some paint cans As laughing cadets say, "In the evening Everything has a schedule, if you can find out what it is." (Continues...) Excerpted from The Mooring Of Starting Out by John Ashbery Copyright © 2003 by John Ashbery Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.