Living Things: Collected Poems

by Anne Porter, David Shapiro (Foreword)

Living Things contains all the poems in Porter’s National Book Award Finalist collection, An Altogether Different Language, plus forty-four new works. David Shapiro writes in his foreword, “Anne Porter’s diction is as modest as that of William Carlos Williams or of a poet she nurtured as a houseguest for many years, James Schuyler. . . . She has the quality of paying attention to ultimate reality that Fairfield Porter, who painted her so often alone and with their five children, told me should be the conclusion of every sermon. . . . She is an American religious poet of stature who reminds us that the idea of the holy is still possible for us.” Living Things is a book for any lover of fine poetry, but will be particularly inspiring and meaningful to Christians whose faith is strong, and would make a beautiful gift.

Genres: Poetry

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ruth Johnson]

I love these poems. I don't think I've read every single one, but I've ready many, some several times. My mom heard the poem "Music" on public radio, and then we searched for the book. That poem and "Here on Earth" are two of my favorites, though every one I've ready is beautiful. Anne Porter writes in such a wise and beautiful way about the great mysteries of her faith, simple things of life as a mother, observations of life-like people. They are exquisite. No words are wasted, just gently put down to draw a picture of our lives.

I just can't describe how much they touch my heart. They are wonderful to read by myself or to read/listen to being read aloud!

[Ben Palpant]

Mostly beautiful. In places, stunning. I found myself standing stock still, forgetful of the whirling world and even of myself, when I read poems like “Music” and “Leavetaking.” She speaks the forgotten language of homesickness, of zeinsucht. I have come to love her as I love Mary Oliver and with the same tenderness a son owes his mother.

[Anita Yoder]

Exquisite, achingly simple and profound lines. I especially love her memories of the old country, and the scenes from Poland.

[Penny]

This is a wonderful book of poetry. Some of the poems are simply breathtaking in their imagery and their truth. I am so glad to have discovered Anne Porter and this is a book of poems I will re-read often.

[Maughn Gregory]

These poems were so beautiful and Porter's religious sensitivity so wise and un-superstitious, I was overcome.

[Sylvia Titgemeyer]

These poems speak to me. The language is creative and beautiful. Such an eye for the natural world, and an understanding of the holy one. I will be reading these poems over and over again.

[Eric Morrissey]

This book of poems affected me greatly. I will be buying it and keeping it on hand to read frequently, I’m sure. My only hesitation is her doctrine regarding Mary is off, but there’s no denying Porter is close to God and nature, and knows how to communicate it in just the right amount of words. My first venture into poetry was not wasted. I hope to find more like this.

[Angie]

A delightful collection of poetry, of the sort you finish reading and immediately turn back to read again. Anne Porter captured well the liturgy of an everyday life centered on faith, home, and family.

[Aeromama]

Beautiful. Wholesome. Slightly Catholic.

I look to poetry for something different than what this author brings in her words, but it is good! I feel the same way about a lot of Wendell Berry's poetry.

[Andi]

I really liked one of the poems but overall, it was just 'okay' for me. I have a small collection of poetry books that I rotate through and I will revisit this one when it comes up again in the rotation. Maybe I'll appreciate it more next time.

[Jessie Wittman]

Exquisite, lucid poetry simply adorned.

[Julia]

Veronica accidentally got me this instead of Anne Carson, but it turned out to be lovely! There was a lot of Christianity in this though

[Allison Bailey]

Anne Porter has gifted me the lens to see the beautiful in the ordinary in novel ways. I can’t help but see the world a bit differently now.

[Rebe]

Her style and subject matter really remind me of Mary Oliver. At the same time, she has her own voice; one can see the similarity to Mary Oliver without thinking, "This is just someone copying Mary Oliver." Awesome book!

[Judy]

Spiritual, wistful, sometimes pointed poems. I cannot decide if I like them or not.

[Anne]

This has so many beautiful words - everyone should read!