Good Poems for Hard Times

Good Poems

by Garrison Keillor (Editor), Charles Bukowski, Robert Burns

Chosen by Garison Keillor for his readings on public radio's The Writer's Almanac, the 185 poems in this follow-up to his acclaimed anthology Good Poems are perfect for our troubled times. Here, readers will find solace in works that are bracing and courageous, organized into such resonant headings as "Such As It Is More or Less" and "Let It Spill." From William Shakespeare and Walt Whitman to R. S. Gwynn and Jennifer Michael Hecht, the voices gathered in this collection will be more than welcome to those who've been struck by bad news, who are burdened by stress, or who simply appreciate the power of good poetry.

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies, Fiction, Adult, Literature, Book Club, Collections

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Gary Edward "Garrison" Keillor is an American author, singer, humorist, voice actor, and radio personality. He created the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) show A Prairie Home Companion (called Garrison Keillor's Radio Show in some international syndication), which he hosted from 1974 to 2016. Keillor created the fictional Minnesota town Lake Wobegon, the setting of many of his books, including Lake Wobegon Days and Leaving Home: A Collection of Lake Wobegon Stories. Other creations include Guy Noir, a detective voiced by Keillor who appeared in A Prairie Home Companion comic skits. Keillor is also the creator of the five-minute daily radio/podcast program The Writer's Almanac, which pairs poems of his choice with a script about important literary, historical, and scientific events that coincided with that date in history.
In November 2017, Minnesota Public Radio cut all business ties with Keillor after an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a freelance writer for A Prairie Home Companion. On April 13, 2018, MPR and Keillor announced a settlement that allows archives of A Prairie Home Companion and The Writer's Almanac to be publicly available again, and soon thereafter, Keillor began publishing new episodes of The Writer's Almanac on his website. He also continues to tour a stage version of A Prairie Home Companion, although these shows are not broadcast by MPR or American Public Media.

Reviews

[Eric Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, a lot of poetry snobs and snots say some snarky stuff about Keillor's anthologies, but I am here to tell you that this is one title that accurately describes the contents of the book: Good Poems. I like the subtitle, but I don't really see that these poems are better for hard times than those in the first volume: both are tres good. I would probably have titled this volume, and I think of it as, More Good Poems. Let me tell you how I know this. I read a lot of poems; I read poems everyday; I read entire poetry magazines, to which I subscribe; I read anthologies and individual collections of poems from the famed and the unknown. I think I've got a feel for when a poem is not only working but working well. I can also tell you this about a book of poetry: Sturgeon's Law applies to poetry, too. Sturgeon's Law, as I recall it, states that 90% of science fiction is sh*t, but then again, 90% of everything is sh*t. Okay, that works for poems in a book, too, so if you find a book of poetry, and you find that of the ten poems you sample, more than two are good, read the whole thing. If it's for sale, buy it because that is a high percentage of goodness. That said, in both of the Good Poems volumes, more than half--for those of you who are mathematically challenged like me, that's more than 50%--of the poems are good. Other anthologies are bogged down by tradition to provide the same old canon fodder or obligatory poems from friends and enablers, but Keillor has a higher standard and fine judgment. Like all of us, he has a few sentimental spots, the blindness of which allows print for some poems that might otherwise not have made the cut, but this anthology more than does its job, and it's a good job, and these are good poems.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poetry anthology edited by Garrison Keillor is absolutely outstanding. I know the subtitle suggests that the poems between these covers are meant for “hard times,” but really, they are good for anytime. Touching on themes from birth to death and every moment in between, the palpable talent of so many poets shines on each page. Most often, the brief moments portrayed are simple but in the context of this anthology all is profound. Mr. Keillor’s introduction is its own poetic essay. I really can’t recommend this collection highly enough. It was darn near perfect.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a collection! So many good ones that I quake with amazement...it's all too much to take in at one sitting. Savor it then, take it piece by piece and go back to it to see it in the light of another understanding.
Why don't they use this in high school for poetry appreciation instead of the dusty Victorian material of the standard curriculum? Or maybe it hits me right because I'm NOT a high school student but am the age I am!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've decided anthologies are the way to go for now while I'm still exploring poetry and it still feels more like homework than desire. No guilt if I don't enjoy a poet, just move on to the next one. No pages and pages of universally acknowledged brilliance that I just don't get (looking at you, e.e. cummings), just turn the page to something new if it's not working for me.

On the flip side, it's got a bit of that one night stand feeling you get from short stories. Just when I'm intrigued and want to know more, it's on to the next poet. It's given me a list of poets to try though, and my favorite poems and authors are listed here so I can reference the next time I'm ready to pick up a volume:

"Happiness" by Raymond Carver
"A Poem for Emily" by Miller Williams
"For My Daughter in Reply to a Question" by David Ignatow
"For a Five-Year-Old" by Fleur Adcock
"Day Bath" by Debra Spencer
"At the Arraignment" by Debra Spencer
"Passengers" by Billy Collins
"To David, About His Education" by Howard Nemerov
"Toast" by Leonard Nathan
"What's in My Journal" by William Stafford
"Ode to My 1977 Toyota" by Barbara Hamby
"To a Frustrated Poet" by R.J. Ellmann
"Riveted" by Robyn Sarah
"For My Sister, Emigrating" by Wendy Cope
"Since You Asked" by Lawrence Raab
"Death Mask" by Edward Field
"A Man in Maine" by Philip Booth
"In the Middle" by Barbara Crooker
"In Praise of My Bed" by Meredith Holmes

I read this as a well-loved library copy and enjoyed seeing all the dog-eared pages of favorite verses, even though they didn't usually coincide with my favorites. Alas, another area of life in which I appear to have no taste. Final comment: I thought the title was off. It just seemed like a collection of poems that someone liked, not necessarily poems that are going to get you through tough times.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have owned this book for many years and read it before but not straight through by reading a few poems each day as I did this time.

I really enjoyed reading it in this manner- straight through- a few poems a day- reading author bios as I wanted (there is a great author bio section in the back of the book), and occasionally sharing poems with people along the way.

I didn't love all the poems or even like all of them but I really enjoyed the experience. I was introduced to some poems and poets who I will explore more and I revisited old favorites.

[JG (Introverted Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not, nor have I ever been, exceptionally qualified to write a review of a collection of poetry. Back in the day, I could probably have muddled out something about rhyme and meter, but high school English is a long way behind me, and I've forgotten anything I ever knew.

But I do like poetry that's pretty straightforward and that says something to me. I have a collection of these that I've probably kept since middle school. Unfortunately, for the number of poems included in the collection, there weren't many that spoke to my personal experience. Maybe I read them too fast. I'm a fast reader and poetry is meant to be savored. I tried to take my time, but I think I came in at about a month. I tried to keep it to one or two a day, but I just got tired of lugging the thing back and forth to work and finished reading it.

Also, I'm not clear about what made these "Good Poems for Hard Times." I expected an uplifting collection, or maybe a "You are not alone" kind of collection, but really they seemed to be about anything and everything. Flipping it open randomly, I find a poem that reminds me of James Blunt's Song, "You're Beautiful," about instantaneous, hopeless, distant love; a poem about watching a man be unsuccessfully resuscitated; a silly little rhyme about a yak; and I remember reading some of those funny little Burma Shave ads. Why are those good for hard times? Some fit the theme, but, for me, anyway, most of them didn't.

Readers who know more about poetry or who have a broader understanding and expectation may enjoy these. This just wasn't the collection for me.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all of these poems out of order and it was amazing. Right now I'm stuck on the love poetry "Darling I never knew such loving", "Wedding poem for Shel and Phil", "The discovery of sex", and "There comes the strangest moment". But there are other hilarious poems as well. Garrison Keillor's intro is fascinating for those of us who have grown up with "A Prairie Home Companion" but never really known about the man behind the stories.

On one level this is a collection of wonderful poems. Each is an individual whirling leaf in the storm, perfect and enlightening in a small way. As a singer I was struck by the similarity between poetry and music: each contains a single emotion, portrays a single situation and through that single image the reader or listening can draw broader conclusions. I don't know if there's anyway to post it, but I have made sound files of the above listed poems. In my mind poetry is meant to be read and heard for its full effect.

On another level, this collection gives a subtle but true view of the Midwestern mind. I came away with an understanding of the Midwestern culture of quiet truth, a need for work, accepted humanity, a soul-level religion and purposely politics. The biggest image is action with purpose and an attachment to life and tradition.

[shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that half the reason this book is a favorite is because I received it from Keillor himself, autographed and all, right after a Prairie Home Companion show. I had waited in line for tickets, as my parents birthday present, got to sit on stage and was talking to one of the musicians afterwards who was so excited that someone under the age of 40 was a big enough fan to stand in line that she grabbed me, dragged me across the stage and introduced me to Keillor, who shook hands and grabbed an extra book he had sitting around, signed it and gave it to me.

Will I never learn my lesson about run-on sentences?

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. Starting Keillor’s first anthology. I hear that is even better. I only wish it was available in kindle format.

A lovely sweet bite from this collection:

Driving to Town Late to Mail a Letter, Robert Bly

It is a cold and snowy night.
The main street is deserted.
The only things moving are swirls of snow.
As I lift the mailbox door, I feel its cold iron.
There is a privacy I love in this snowy night.
Driving around, I will waste more time.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often don't 'get' poetry. I like haiku (especially by Gary Hotham) and some story poems and poems by Edgar Guest, but if it's something about flowers and skies and breezes my eyes kind of glaze over and it makes no sense no matter how many times I try to read it.

While this book did still have a few of those artsy, flowery poems that I don't get, there were a lot that I understood and liked, and a few that I even loved. Now I have several poets to try and see if I can expand my appreciation of poetry a bit more, which was my main hope for this book.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stole this book from some guy who was hitting on Nate's girlfriend at Leopold's. He got up and went to the bathroom and I stuffed it under my coat and walked out. Yeah, I'm cold like that.

[Rachel Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good ones here. A wonderful wonderful collection

[Magdelanye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something continues and I don't know what to call it
though the language is full of suggestions
in the way of language.
opening lines of A Birthday by W.S.Merwin p22

The world is brimming with poetry and one thing I have discovered is that encompasses everything everywhere. The more I read poetry the more appetite I develop for its nourishment. It may creep in dark places and reflect the most hidden sorrows, but there is always a shaft of light that allows in the comfort of knowing that you are not alone but in good company.

What you want to say most
is inadmissible
Say it anyway
Say it again
opening lines of The Rules of Evidence by Lee Robinson p154

GK has gathered a wide range of voices spanning centuries and covering all the phases from Birth to Departure, war and the daily round. There are a few excerpts from longer known works but for the most part the unknown jostle elbows with the renowned and only a few have more than one poem included. What an incredible diving board for further epiphany!

Whatever he needs, he has or doesn't
have by now.
Whatever the world has started to do to him
it has started to do.
opening lines of
The Summer Camp Bus
Pulls Away from the Curb by Sharon Olds p37

The extensive appendix at the back makes for easy reference and the ever so tantalizing bios all end with a quote from the poet on their philosophy.

The sunlight on the garden
Hardens and grows cold.
We cannot cage the minute
Within it's nets of gold.....

Our freedom as free lances
Advances towards its end.
The earth compels....
And soon, my friend
We shall have no time for dances.
from opening lines of Sunlight on the Garden by Louis MacNiece

One of the most marvellous things about a collection like this, besides the thrill of discovering a poet previously unknown, is the amazement of discovering that a poet you might have deliberately overlooked or disdained, can fill you with delight. New poems by old favourites and scarcely a chestnut! These are indeed hard times and this collection goes a long way to jostle our timid accommodation.

...look, can't you see the sky will soon
collapse and we must keep dancing till it cracks?
from the ending of the poem Thelonius Monk by Stephen Dobyus

[William Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry has an evocative power; merely reading it can take you to different places and times. Of course, this is true of almost all reading. Poems have a special ability to speak to the heart, as author Garrison Keillor mentions in this collection of poetry. I have an issue with poetry; sometimes it is difficult for me to see why a poem is considered great. I suppose I understand Shakespeare, but how do you account for someone like William Carlos Williams? I can still remember being a bit puzzled at The Red Wheelbarrow and the one about the Plums. I can recite them, and I appreciate the visualization of everything, but I still don’t know why it is considered good.

When I was younger, my experience with poems and poetry was covered squarely by Lewis Carroll. I know now that this is a very limiting idea, but I never could get out of my shell with poems.

Good Poems for Hard Times covers the gamut of English poetry, from Keats and Shakespeare to Charles Bukowski. The common theme is hard times; the poems contained within its pages discuss war, death, poverty, cancer, and growing up. There is a certain order to it, but I couldn’t glean the exact logic behind it.

This is a fine collection that is lovingly curated. I knew a lot of the poets in this and a few of the poems are familiar to me. I had to take Literature in school and we covered a few of these poets. On the other hand, a lot of the poems and poets were quite new to me. I had heard of John Donne of course, but I had not heard of the poem included in this collection.

All in all, this book was quite enjoyable. It makes me want to read more poetry, and that is never a bad thing.

[Susan Kietzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrison Keillor knows how to put together a well-worth-reading collection of poems. I read one each morning and often carried a hint of it with me throughout the day.

[Erin Cadwalader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep this by my beside and have read through it several times over the years. I am a terribly literal person and this is a great collection for people like me. If you like poetry that's accessible and want to start a collection, start here. I've also bought it for friends when I wanted to be helpful but couldn't be there in person. Nobody has told me they found this comforting though. But you can't read this and not find some poems that speak to you.

[Tamara Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter bought me this book at a library book sale while she was with my mother in New York this summer. She chose a used book that suited the personality of each person in her family. For me she chose this book of poetry. She handed it to me as I was headed for the airport, and it was the perfect book for my trip (and for several sleepless nights).

Poets included in the anthology are from my all-time favorites: Wendell Berry, Elizabeth Bishop, Billy Collins, e.e. cummings, Emily Dickinson, John Donne, Robert Frost, Donald Hall, Jane Kenyon, Mary Oliver, Walt Whitman and more. That's just a fraction of the list!

Here's one of my favorites (and the one that made me cry):
Ice Storm
Jane Kenyon

For the hemlocks and broad-leafed evergreens
a beautiful and precarious state of being. . . .
Here in the suburbs of New Haven
nature, unrestrained, lops the weaker limbs
of shrubs and trees with a sense of aesthetics
that is practical and sinister. . . .

I am the guest in this house.
On the bedside table Good Housekeeping, and
A Nietzsche Reader. . . . The others are still asleep.
The most painful longing comes over me.
A longing not of the body. . . .

It could be for beauty-
I mean what Keats was panting after,
for which I love and honor him;
it could be for the promises of God,
or for oblivion, nada; or some condition even more
extreme, which I intuit, but can't quite name.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keillor suggests that these are the kinds of poems that you would send to a friend who was having a tough time. I'm not sure I read them that way. So many are so very, very dark. I was delighted by a few, Cecilia Wolochs Slow Children at Play, and Rita Doves Dawn Revisited. I thought that Donald Halls poem about his wifes death was just haunting and so painful I could barely read it. There is magic in here, but you have to push through a lot of darkness to find it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down my favorite book of poems ever and I loooooove poetry. There's something about the healing power of poetry that makes you pause. Poetry makes me feel...alive. Supported. Amazed at the god of small things. This book perfectly encapsulates all the best things about poetry- and Garrison Keillor writes an AMAZING foreword that I would recommend ANYONE read when trying to understand why poetry is a vital part of our literary existence.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first collection, Good Poems. Garrison Keillor has such good taste in his selection of poems from his show/blog. I read a poem a day, food for thought and usually for tranquillity at the end of the day.
Took me a while to finish - one poem at a time, but as usual, I knew they would be good slow food for thought poems.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like in his original “Good Poems,” Keillor has exquisite taste when it comes to poetry. Some are thought provoking, some are sad, but overall, they’re just good fun! A good book to have by the bed or other local where you can read one or two a day. Great for those just discovering poetry, and those of us who have been reading poems for a lifetime.

[Isaac Timm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the whole anthology in two days. The poems never become a chore to read, which in this year of stress and quarantine hell says a lot. A good selling point for a collection titled: Good Poems for Hard Time. I'm not being flip or joking, I found these poems healing and a great reminder of why I love poetry.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, well-crafted,diverse collection from which I will continue sipping indefinitely. Keillor's introduction essay is a compelling defense of poetry, and could stand alone. Both this collection and its introduction would make great teaching tools.

[Madhusree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this thing for poetry anthologies- I am a sucke for them. I love that someone has pored through lots and lots of poems and gleaned these particular ones for your reading pleasures. I love this bunch and will re read them again and again and again.

[Pete · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Burma Shave "poems"...

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were way too many religiously themed poems for my personal taste.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most outstanding anthologies of just plain good, readable poetry I've ever encountered. I'll be revisiting it often.

[Pierian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any poetry collection that includes Mary Oliver, Lord Alfred Tennyson, and Burma Shave rhymes all together has gotta be good.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how it's dedicated to English teachers.

[Shira]

I'm a poetry idiot. This was the least bile-inducing anthology I found. Wish me luck!