Toward the Winter Solstice: New Poems

by Timothy Steele

Since the appearance of Timothy Steele’s first collection of poems in 1979, growing numbers of readers and critics have recognized him as one of the best and most significant poets of his generation. Widely credited with anticipating and encouraging the revival of poetry in traditional form, Steele has produced a body of work praised for its technical accomplishment, its intellectual breadth, and its emotional energy.

Toward the Winter Solstice, Steele’s first collection of new poems in twelve years, features his characteristic grace, wit, and power, while extending his range. In addition to the relatively short lyrical, descriptive, and contemplative poems he has always written so well, this collection offers several middle-length pieces that read almost like compressed novels.

Addressing a variety of topics and themes, Toward the Winter Solstice explores the relationship between the world of nature and the world of ideas. In one way or another, the poems attempt to link the external material universe with that sense of inward self-awareness central to our experience of life. Throughout, Steele writes with a clarity that not only illuminates his subjects but also acknowledges and preserves their ultimate mystery and complexity.

Genres: Poetry

72 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2006

Reviews

[Tom Romig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fortunate find. I read the two poems by Timothy Steele in the second Billy Collins anthology and was quite taken with them. Steele's use of rhyme and meter makes the words musical and gives the images depth and color. His unique and striking perspective is everywhere evident in these intelligent and engaging poems. I look forward to reading his other works.

[Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele is one of the finest poets around. While the poems are of varying degrees of excellence, there's not a disappointing one in the lot.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is each piece nicely done, they inspired me to want to try my hand at poems based on similar subjects in my life. Well, they at least got me thinking about similarities in my own life anyway. They're that relatable.

From free verse to a variety of rhyming meters, this is not your stagnant book of poetry. Recommend.

[CB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stiff, clumsy and thoughtless. Really godawful poetry.

[B.J. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

my second read of Timothy Steele's newest book. wonderful metrical poems!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically competent, and it's good to see rhyming verse back in style, but I didn't get much out of the ones I read.