Sonic delight in words and word combinations dominate Other Prohibited Items. The poet almost, not quite, but almost, bows out to let something else think for her. She says: "Given choices but no time at all to think / --I'd always wondered, sweetie, what I'd do." Every poem in this book says what we might do with all the time in the world.Dara WierIn this stellar debut collection, Martha Greenwald writes of the ordinary-of street festivals, of office life, of the weather and the neighbors next door-only to discover the extraordinary depth of human experience. With an elegant style, Greenwald appears to take the stance of the objective observer, of the masterful poet who delights in the challenges of both situation and form.Mary SwanderWhen you read Martha Greenwald, you'll find a pitch-perfect sestina about listening to Dick Tracy on the car radio at night; a masterful portrait of a co-worker who tap dances in the copy room in time “to the collator’s jumbled staccato”; and a poem spoken in the voice of a train conductor that is a credo of sorts, in which the poet’s musical brilliance--”the ring/ of slow brake on smooth rails slurs to sail tack clanging/on masts”--is matched by a deeply penetrating vision of loneliness, a vision of “companioned nothingness.” Written with great heart and linguistic verve, whether the mode is satire, dramatic monologue, or personal lyric, these poems are passionately and precisely observed. This is a highly accomplished book, mature, beautifully achieved.Tom SleighWhat a pleasure to read an account of contemporary American dailiness that is neither satiric nor blase, but affectionately sad, like Edward Hopper, like Randall Jarrell! Martha Greenwald's diction and meters are as impeccable as her wonderful eye for detail.Alan WilliamsonOTHERPROHIBITED ITEMS is Martha Greenwald’s debut poetry collection and was selected as a winner of the 2010 Mississippi Review Poetry Series competition.Explore this site to learn more about her work and information about readings, signings and public appearances.Other Prohibited Items is available through Amazon.com and other retailers. A signed copy may also be ordered through the author. Click the Purchase link for more information.Marthawas the featured poet of the day on the Poetry Daily website on December 17, 2010. The editors highlighted the poem 1813 from Other Prohibited Items and it can be viewed on siteby clicking under the Poetry Daily icon in the Media page. OPI was also recently reviewed by Matthew Ladd in the online edition of the West Branch Wiredliterary magazine from Bucknell University. Click the Media tab on the menu bar for a link to the review.Check the appearances page often for upcoming readings and events.McFobs DesignPowered by Xara
Sonic delight in words and word combinations dominate Other Prohibited
Items. The poet almost, not quite, but almost, bows out to let something
else think for her. She says: "Given choices but no time at all to think / --
I'd always wondered, sweetie, what I'd do." Every poem in this book says
what we might do with all the time in the world.
Dara Wier
In this stellar debut collection, Martha Greenwald writes of the ordinary-
of street festivals, of office life, of the weather and the neighbors next
door-only to discover the extraordinary depth of human experience. With
an elegant style, Greenwald appears to take the stance of the objective
observer, of the masterful poet who delights in the challenges of both
situation and form.
Mary Swander
When you read Martha Greenwald,
you'll find a pitch-perfect sestina
about listening to Dick Tracy on the
car radio at night; a masterful portrait
of a co-worker who tap dances in the
copy room in time “to the collator’s
jumbled staccato”; and a poem spoken
in the voice of a train conductor that is
a credo of sorts, in which the poet’s
musical brilliance--”the ring/ of slow
brake on smooth rails slurs to sail tack
clanging/on masts”--is matched by a
deeply penetrating vision of
loneliness, a vision of “companioned
nothingness.” Written with great heart
and linguistic verve, whether the
mode is satire, dramatic monologue, or personal lyric, these poems are
passionately and precisely observed. This is a highly accomplished book,
mature, beautifully achieved.
Tom Sleigh
What a pleasure to read an account of contemporary American dailiness
that is neither satiric nor blase, but affectionately sad, like Edward
Hopper, like Randall Jarrell! Martha Greenwald's diction and meters are
as impeccable as her wonderful eye for detail.
Alan Williamson
OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS is
Martha Greenwald’s debut
poetry collection and was
selected as a winner of the
2010 Mississippi Review Poetry
Series competition.
Explore this site to learn more
about her work and
information about readings,
signings and public
appearances.
Other Prohibited Items is
available through
Amazon.com and other
retailers. A signed copy may
also be ordered through the
author. Click the Purchase
link for more information.
Martha was the featured poet of the day on the Poetry Daily website on
December 17, 2010. The editors highlighted the poem 1813 from Other
Prohibited Items and it can be viewed on site by clicking under the Poetry
Daily icon in the Media page.
OPI was also recently reviewed by Matthew Ladd in the online edition
of the West Branch Wired literary magazine from Bucknell University.
Click the Media tab on the menu bar for a link to the review.
Check the appearances page often for upcoming readings and events.
McFobs Design
Powered by Xara
MarthaGreenwald.net
