Full Description
In the pivotal poem "Marking Time," which appears almost exactly halfway through Peter Filkins's fourth collection of poetry, the speaker reflects on the death of a sibling and how time is marked by our memories. These memories, these moments-whether spent contemplating a painting by Vermeer or the simple toss of a bean bag-ultimately shape who we are. "Yet you are with me here, with me here again, / where neither that moon nor you exist, but live / tethered to this memory composed of words." These are poems unafraid to be graceful and engaging. They attain an assurance and stability rare in contemporary poetry, while their careful balance of sadness and joy reminds the reader of the difficult negotiations we make in life.
Contents
I
Dismantling the Birches
Theh Hunters
The News at 10
9/12
Sunflowers
The Globe
Owen's Shark
Solitaire
Chinatown
Requiem for the Body Snatchers
II
Sirens
Vermeer
Rocky
Girl, 2, Pulled from Pond
Beanbag Toss
Marking Time
III
Speed Skaters
The View
Waterfall, Rock, Trout
A Certain Grammar
Weatherwise
A County Quilt
Letter to Susan in Seattle
Constable's Clouds
The Broken Piano
A Stand of Maple
Notes on the Poems
Acknowledgments
