re: "If Nothing Else" by Harold Bowes

June 2, 2012

Another great review, this one by Neil Leadbeater in Galatea Resurrects  of “If Nothing Else” by Ravenna’s own associate editor, Harold Bowes.  A sample:

In “Our Car,” Bowes reveals himself at his very best. In eight lines and four sentences he manages to convey a whole landscape. Once again, the piece demonstrates how a final line can of itself add a whole new dimension to what is already a brilliant poem: 

Our car paces a truck.
The truck is hauling
detached automobile bumpers,
secured to a flatbed.
The mountains are white with snow
in the distance.
The clouds are as big as Montana.
Even now I forgive you.


This is a remarkable book that deserves a wide audience. For those who love the craft of the short poem, it will not disappoint. 


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