In between poetry-related posts this month, I’ve also been working my way through the collected poems of Raymond Carver. To me, Carver is the finest short story writer I’ve ever read, but I wasn’t has familiar with his poetic output. I figured this month was a perfect opportunity to get caught up.
It’s interesting to note that despite being known as a fantastic short story writer, Carver actually started out as a poet and continued to write poetry throughout his career.
All of Us: The Collected Poems includes all the poems published in his four previous collections, as well as several that were published posthumously. So far, it’s been a wonderful read. Carver’s poetry reads much like his fiction in that it’s in his narrative voice and utilizes an economy of words. There aren’t long, flowery verses that invoke serene landscapes, nor are they dense or enigmatic. It’s poetry for the average person.
Carver, of course, falls under the shadow of Hemingway in that regard. But I think Carver writes more relatable stories, and his poems are no different. He recalls relationships, the good moments and the bad, as well as fishing trips with friends, and even nights drinking with other writers.
One of my favorites (so far) has been “You Don’t Know What Love Is (an evening with Charles Bukowski)”. The poem recalls an evening drinking with a group of writers and a long rant about love, relationships, and art spouted by Bukowski. It’s far too long to try to reprint here, but here are a few lines to give you a feel for it:
But you don’t know what love is
They all came back to me in the end too
every one of em came back
except that one I told you about
the one I planted
We were together seven years
We used to drink a lot
I see a couple of typers in this room but
I don’t see any poets
I’m not surprised
You have to have been in love to write poetry
I had planned to finish All of Us before the end of this month, but like a good wine, I tend to sip at poetry collections so I can savor them. This collection has been one of the finest, in my opinion.
Carver writes about characters in these pieces, but I think the majority of the topics are auto-biographical. Particularly the ones about relationships and alcohol. Both played a big part in his fiction and both make repeated appearances in this collection.
All of Us is a fantastic collection of poetry and I highly recommend it.
Are you familiar with Raymond Carver’s works?
RB
“Cathedral” was one of his short stories that I remember being bored by… and then profoundly moved by… he’s a slow burner. Linda xx
Agreed. On first reading you wonder where it’s going, then by the time you finish you feel it in your heart.
Thanks for stopping by!
What a lovely way of phrasing it (feel it in your heart) – and so true – I think that’s why it hits so hard…. pointless > pointed – very impressive writing style! L xx
I’ve never read any of his work, Richard. But I think I shall give him a try.
That’s fantastic, mate! If you’re interested, here is a link to one of Carver’s best short stories. I shared it with another commenter below, as well.
http://www.giuliotortello.it/ebook/cathedral.pdf
Hope you enjoy it.
I haven’t read anything by Carver in a long while. I’ve made a note to myself to rectify that!
Good to hear, my friend! Thanks for stopping by.
I want to read the books by the authors you introduced.
I’ll try to find the Japanese version.😉
I’m glad I’ve introduced you to some new authors, Hotomi. I hope you can find good translations.
I’ve been reading translations of Japanese authors, but I hope to one day be able to read them in Japanese. I’m always worried that something is missing in the translations.
I confess I’ve never heard of him but, given you highly recommend him, I’m going to keep a look out for his works.
Carver was never a “popular” writer, but he is incredibly respected by his peers. As an introduction to his works, I recommend his short story, “Cathedral”. I think you’ll enjoy it. I posted a link below. Cheers!
http://www.giuliotortello.it/ebook/cathedral.pdf
Thank you so much Richard
Wonderful ♥️
Many thanks, Caleb!