Speak Low

reviewed by Sandy Marchetti

Originally published on June 15, 2009

There are tissue paper-thin ideas of meaning in the poem, and all the poems; Phillips is so infinitesimal in his perceptive thought, we see how he embodies the talents that make him an excellent translator of poems and essayist on the art of poetry. The poet divides back onto himself, revising and adding, often through non-essential clauses, the most essential ideas.

The Tea Party

by Carolyn Foster Segal

Originally published on June 15, 2009

I really did believe that I loved the boy with the cheekbones, although looking back, it’s clear how much lust played a part.

“Do you have a husband?” Mel asks. He doesn’t say, as anyone else would, “Are you married?” He makes having a husband sound like owning a pet.

Yield

by Stephanie Goehring

Originally published on June 15, 2009

When the two men at the cafe talk about driving, they might as well be talking about love for all I know of acceleration, yielding before a sign you’ve learned to expect. I never learned how to drive, so I never know where I am. I’ve told men, “I love you,” but only when I [...]