Synchronicity and Survival

Gregory Orr’s Poetry As Survival arrived today. Given what I’ve been musing about lately, I was pleasantly surprised by the opening paragraph of the book:

As a poet, I’ve always hated the fact that poetry often intimidates people. Many people I know feel that poetry is a test they can only pass if they are smart enough or sensitive enough, and most fear they will fail. Many refuse the test altogether–never read poetry–for fear of failure. Somehow something has gone wrong with poetry in our culture. We have lost touch with its value and purpose, and in doing so, we have lost contact with essential aspects of our own emotional and spiritual lives.

I have a feeling I’m going to really like this book.

Similar Articles:

  1. Poetry As Survival

Liked this? Receive new ones in your inbox.

(You can unsubscribe any time.)


  • http://www.pagehalffull.com/humanyms/ Pearl

    It sounds good alright. Stuart Ross said a turning point for him was that poetry had kinds and kinds were allowed to be goofy, or funny or not pretentious. Poetry can be more than that. Between him and Orr, more enjoyable poetry could erupt.

  • http://www.collinkelley.blogspot.com Collin Kelley

    Orr is coming to Atlanta later this month. I’m looking forward to his reading.

  • Robert

    Awesome. I have no idea what I think of his poetry yet, but his prose cuts straight to the heart of the matter. This is a man that has been through a lot and come out the other side not only intact but able to speak about his experience in a compelling and intelligent way. I’d be very interested in your impressions of him when you see him in person.

  • jenni

    I think I’ll get this book. Thanks for the excerpt.

  • Robert

    Glad you enjoyed it. As I’m now almost done reading the book (stalling, in fact, because I don’t want it to end) I may write a longer review at some point. But I’d recommend it to anyone.