You can't have everything

by Richard Shelton

Richard Shelton's poetry has frequently appeared in publications such as The New Yorker, Poetry, and The American Scholar. This collection is one in the University of Pittsburgh's Pitt Poetry Series.

Genres: Poetry

79 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to admit something — I had this on my reading list as I wanted to “read every book of poetry on my shelves” and I almost skipped it. I am so very glad I didn’t. Shelton actually taught at my university, and I got to hear him lecture in my intro to poetry class that was taught to all Creative Writing majors. It made a great impression, and I read his “Crossing the Yard” memoir of working with poetry workshops in the prison system. I found that memoir to be highly enjoyable, but read it over a decade ago and never touched his poetry. I’m not sure why it took so long, but it was definitely a gem amongst all of the books I’ve read during quarantine. I grew up in the desert as well, and Shelton writes about it in a way that immediately resonated with me. Some of these poems of loneliness, of heartache, and the desert — it is definitely speaking to my soul. “Vespers” in particular grabbed me, as did his piece for his father. Overall excellent collection, highly recommended. When I get out I will be spending some time at UofA’s poetry center reading more of his work.