The Norton Anthology Project

Elizabeth and I began reading the Norton Anthology of Poetry together on Jan. 5, 2009. We try to read one poem from the front of the book and one from the back each night before bed. Some nights we skip it and some poems take a week to read but last night we finally made it to Walt Whitman. Going in reverse, we're now on Edna St. Vincent Millay and just read the cruelest sonnet--perfect for April.

In Indiana by CE Perry

As promised, here's a poem from Night Work, one of the books I'm giving away this month. I used to keep this poem taped above my desk.

In Indiana

Dead hogs swing in the barn--
discordant pendulums

holding the hour. She braces
each sheep with her thighs

and the wool spills over
like foaming beer. It is

just necessary, nothing
exotic. While the doves

sleep, her pelvis and arms
force time across one

deliberate axis, leaving
the sheep to shiver in

their new blue skin.
This is how the past

becomes the past. This
is how the work gets done.

Great Poetry Giveaway

I'm participating in the Great Poetry Giveaway that Kelli Agodon has run for at least a couple of years now from her blog The Book of Kells. Check out her blog for inspiration and news, as well as info on how to participate in the giveaway if you have your own blog, or how and where to sign up for other free books of poetry.
I'll be giving away a copy of my new book, The Alphabet Conspiracy and C.E. Perry's wonderful book Night Work. All you need to do to enter for a chance to win is to say so and post your contact info into the comments field. I'll choose a name at random on May 1 and send the winner free copies of the two books via the US mail.
Check back at this site for more info about both books.