What's the Matter

by Jordan Stempleman

Maximizing the tension of line breaks, making the most of each word’s nuances, Jordan Stempleman creates a stunning landscape of precision and delicacy. There are gorgeous moments here, and they always “begin with the actual condition”—this book constitutes a commitment to the beauty of the world, and a new instance of it. —Cole Swensen In this impressive, replete collection, Jordan Stempleman takes us repeatedly to this place of contemplation, where only a few rare words are necessary. We are invited to a course of thinking that locates intensity without demanding it—for therein lies the fabled difference between an exploratory and settled poetics, to open out and out again upon present history. This is, quite simply, a wonderful book. —Paul Hoover

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Jordan Stempleman's most recent collections of poetry are Wallop (Magic Helicopter Press, 2015), No, Not Today (Magic Helicopter Press, 2012) and Doubled Over (BlazeVOX, 2009). He co-edits The Continental Review, teaches writing and literature at the Kansas City Art Institute, and curates A Common Sense Reading Series.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

two words, one poem: peabo bryson