ESSENTIAL CUMMINGS

This compilation of poetry read by the author is indeed essential listening for those who love his work. The poet, known for his lowercase letters and quirky phrases, shares his natural phrasing and original cadences. He reads slowly, deliberately. Even a line like “a hero equals any jerk who is afraid to dare to answer no” is read solemnly, with cummings lingering only over the word “jerk‚“ revealing the merest hint of humor. Cummings’s quizzical introspections on various topics are filled with his questioning and idiosyncratic imagination. Put on this CD for a crowd of poetry lovers and host a night of singular performance by a beloved American poet. Or hoard its singularity for your personal listening pleasure. R.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]