Academic

Poetry in Motion--Skeel

By David Skeel and Bill Stuntz

One of the most exciting contemporary poets is the Polish poet Adam Zagajewski. I review "Eternal Enemies," his new book of poems, here. But don't take my word for it. Next time you're in a bookstore, skim through a few of the poems in "Eternal Enemies." Even if you've vowed never to read a book of poems, he may be the kind of poet who will make you change your mind, or at least make a small exception to the vow.

Here's the first poem, "Star" (set in Krakow, where Zagajewski lived during his college years), which establishes the tone of the book:

I returned to you years later,

gray and lovely city,

unchanging city

buried in the waters of the past.

I'm no longer the student

of philosophy, poetry, and curiosity,

I'm not the young poet who wrote

too many lines

and wandered in the maze

of narrow streets and illusions.

The sovereign of clocks and shadows

has touched my brow with his hand,

but still I'm guided by

a star by brightness

and only brightness

can undo or save me.

Full post as published by Less than the Least on December 14, 2008 (boomark / email).