Voices Cast Out to Talk Us In

by Ed Roberson

There is no one else like Ed Roberson—certainly there is no other poet like him. His is an oblique, eccentric, totally fascinating talent. Because of these qualities, it may seem that he is difficult to follow—as Ornette Coleman or Gabriel García Márquez or Romare Beardon seems difficult to track at times. But his strength of vision is always evident; the quickness and inclusiveness of his voice can sweep a reader along into new and refreshing areas. Roberson's poetic moves are not tricks or affected traits. They are artistic and deeply considered techniques. Reading the two basic cycles of this elliptical and intriguing work could be likened to reading Ezra Pound or a more deliberate and lyrically touched Charles Olson, but with an unanchored allusiveness of things largely American taking the place of the Chinese and the Mayan. Roberson creates that rare combination of sophistication and simplicity which defines truly significant poetry. In this new work he makes the variety of our culture dance from his very special viewpoint.

Genres: Poetry

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Charles Edwin (Ed) Roberson is a distinguished American poet, celebrated for his unique diction and intricacy in exploring the natural and cultural worlds. His poetic voice is informed by a background in science and visual art, coupled with his identity as an African American. Roberson has been an active poet since the early 1960s and has authored eight collections, including "Atmosphere Conditions" (1999) and "City Eclogue" (2006). Among his many honors are the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Writers' Award (1998) and the Poetry Society of America's Shelley Memorial Award (2008).

Reviews

[Andrea Blancas · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Roberson's poems in this collection reads, "meaning is fragment," and this line captures the very essence of his Voices Cast Out to Talk Us In. What the lines are saying along with the formatting of each line and poem reinforce this fragementation.

Through the power of repetition, sound, and imagery, timless subjects receive a new angle in which to be observed and reflected upon. His poems are themselves "pieces and absences of connection" and while "lives are opinion," Roberson handles each one delicately and deeply.

[John Hyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this, along with few other volumes, at the Book Mill in Montegue, MA . . .