Out of Time, Running by Edward Nudelman

by Edward Nudelman

Poetry. Includes the poem "Melody of Complaint," nominated for a Pushcart Prize. These wise and pithy poems address human ontology with surprising originality and wit. Struggle is made funny and acceptable and yet the poet doesn't downplay ordinary struggle. April Ossmann notes, Nudelman's poems are courageous and soulful, merging science and poetry—such that each is made more personal. Readers who appreciate Gaston Bachelard, William Bronk, David Ignatow, will likely find a new next voice—unexpected as it is in a life-long medical researcher and bookseller. But just when you think Nudelman's honesty is boy-next-door, we're given a dose of allusion to the surreal. OUT OF TIME, RUNNING refines indulgences and goth as if Keats and David Sedaris were sometimes Med School buddies. What remains is more sweet than bitter, and poetry we couldn't refuse."In moments documentary, in moments meditative, these poems are pared and spare, carefully wrought and duly lined, availing absences and openings for the poet's and the reader's late longings to collude."—Scott Cairns

Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Edward Nudelman’s full-length poetry collections include: Nonlinear Equations for Growing Better Olives, Kelsay Books, 2023 Thin Places (Salmon Poetry, forthcoming, 2025); Out of Time, Running (Harbor Mountain, 2014); What Looks Like an Elephant (Lummox, 2011); and Night Fires (Pudding House, 2009). Poems have appeared in Rattle, Cortland Review, Valparaiso Review, Chiron Review, Evergreen Review, Floating Bridge, Plainsongs, Penwood Review, Poets and Artists, and many more. Awards include: finalist in 2019 Atlanta Review International Poetry Contest (two poems), honorable mention in 2019 Passager Poetry Contest, second place for the Indie Lit Awards Book of the Year (What Looks Like an Elephant), semifinalist for the Journal Award, OSU Press (Night Fires), and a Pushcart nomination.

A native Seattleite, Nudelman is a recently retired cancer research scientist, and owns/operates a rare bookshop (est. 1980) where he lives in Seattle, with his wife, dog, and five ducks.

Reviews

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is not five stars, however, if Nudelman knew how to kill his darlings (which is probably counter to his medical training) it certainly would be. It took me around seven months to get through seventy pages, and that’s how poetry should be read I think. Some of this stuff is genius, and it makes you wonder how many snippets of brilliance are relegated to the 99¢ section.
I also find it endearing that he rated his own book twice