Boy by Patrick Phillips

 

Philip Levine recommends Boy, poems by Patrick Phillips. "For me this is a real discovery. In many of the poems—'Nathaniel' or 'Matinee' or 'Star Quilt'—the language is quiet and accurate, the details precise, and the emotions—though never insisted upon—are there, unquestionable and complex. Phillips never dawdles or repeats himself; he gets down what matters and trusts the reader to listen carefully. I don't mean the poems are casually written: the art here is in hiding the art, and he is that rare poet with the tact and chops to accomplish that. He always sounds like someone speaking in a trustworthy American voice, speaking to adults, even though his concern is largely childhood. What a find!" (Georgia)