Hank

by Abraham Smith

Poetry. "In an era of overpolished workshop poems and vague, bloodless experiment, Abraham Smith's HANK risks a caterwauling quagmire both lyric and epic in scope, replete with 18 kinds of loneliness. A folk paean to Hank Williams, Sr., its excess is astonishing, its unpunctuated burble is propulsive, funny, unforgiving, and raw. HANK is an 'elegy for gravel' along the lost highway we've been hunting for. It belongs only to the future of American poetry"--Joshua Marie Wilkinson.

Genres: Poetry

132 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2010

Reviews

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hank" by Abraham Smith has to be one of the most original books of poetry I have ever read. His language is dense but accessible, offering generous vocabulary and word associations. The style of poetry is open, with little to no punctuation or capitalization, allowing Smith to create a unique and new experience for each reader. It is possible to read one of his poems two or three times and read it differently each time, a feat that is evident of intention and craft in this book. There is careful attention to alliteration, assonance, repetition, and rhyme in this book. These aspects of Smith's poetry are even more evident when he performs his poetry in person, which is as much of an experience as reading this book is. I was lucky enough to hear Abraham Smith do a poetry reading at Wright State University recently and it really was an experience that was unique to Smith. He doesn't just read his poetry, but he performs and experiences it, creating a persona that really brings the text to life. There seems to be a more deliberate stream of conscious when Smith reads aloud.
I will admit this book is a challenge, but well worth it in the end. I recommend anyone anyone who is considering reading "Hank" to check out some of the videos that exist of Smith reading. It will give you an idea of what is to come in "Hank". More than that, Abraham Smith really is one of a kind and you won't be disappointed you picked this one up. :)

[Erin Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lines like “walk caustically and carry a big drink” reminded me of the saying “speak softly and carry a big stick”? Lines like this add to the quirkiness of particular poems. I really liked how that line tied in with the following lines about water. (p. 5). I love the thought-provoking phrases and words like “lockstep train” and “lethargy window.” I wouldn’t usually think of those things together. A lot of the poems seem like they could’ve been formed from doing erasure exercises. Loved the book overall!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

stars for going to the max with this form/lack of form.

[Greg Bem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt my insides endure and coarse they glided through grit but with what payoff.

[Carrie Lorig · Rating 4 out of 5]

words that pass through you without a sticking glue. but a propulsion. as someone said to me. yes.

[in8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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