The Late Show: Poems

by David Trinidad

“Deeply personal, yet coolly postmodern, no other writer besides David Trinidad makes the interface between our private memories and our cultural ones seem so seamless. Variously giddy, gossipy, melancholy, obsessive, and euphoric, Trinidad's voice has an amazing plasticity as he slips between genres and forms, tradition and invention, with assurance and grace. The Late Show is a unique collection of interlocking facets: part literary memoir, part film encyclopedia, part shrine and memento mori—and always undeniably, pure poem.”—Elaine Equi

“A beautiful study in detail and devotion. . . . Frame by frame this book is a tremendously engaging, soulful read.”—Anselm Berrigan

Genres: Poetry

109 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Gus]

this was something I needed. as a lover of gossip, obsessor of THINGS, childhood. I think we have similar personalities but I don't think this really means much especially since I'm only basing this off of the final, long poem. I wish he had said the names of the poets who were unkind to him. I gathered one from a simple google search, but the other description was too vague. Today i'm scared of hell, which feels relevant, not because this poem reminded me of hell or was hellish or anything.

[Atticus · Rating 4 out of 5]

that’s an egg

[Natalie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

With some of his poems I found myself saying, "Is this a poem or is this prose?" particularly the final poem in the book. However, his poems stuck with me--I kept thinking about that last poem for at least two weeks after I was finished with the book--so he must have done something right.

Trinidad has a series of sonnets in the middle of the book that are somewhat vulgar, but I didn't even realize they were rhyming until I was half way through them. His construction should be applauded.

[Steph Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's done it again: the joy, the heartache, the collecting of dolls and Jacqueline Susann memorabilia, all beautifully rendered in captivating detail. I so appreciate the humanity, honesty, and humor of Mr. Trinidad's work. My favorites in this collection are "Watching the Late Movie with My Mother" and "A Poem Under the Influence."

[Larry Kaplun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of his poems are good and sharp and full of great tone. Am thinking of that lipstick list-poem, the sonnet for his mother, and the poem for Tim Dlugos. But even though I like the last poem (the name is escaping me), it went too long. Though I like this book, in some ways, it could have been more crafted.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Late Show is about a life recalled and retold through the language and style of cultural artifacts. It doesn’t stoop to the level of grand commentary on our times or times past, and for that very reason it adds density and vibrancy to both gayness and poetry."
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.yasminnair.net/content/dav...

[Dave Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘What can you say about a twenty-five- / year-old girl who died? That as a child she / loved horses. And dogs. And cats. That Monty / Python made her laugh. That she was alive / to the disruptions of her time.’

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-shaped volume with laughs and tears. Individual poems might be shapely and well-crafted; others seemingly tossed-off. Not for readers who dislike memoir/confessional writing

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

some of the most enjoyable poetry I've ever read. who knew that rhyming couplets about Barbie-collecting could be so damn heartbreaking?

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Later that
day it rained
(I know from
the poem)."

-from "A Regret" by David Trinidad

[Sebastian]

First read: January 31, 2018, Wednesday