This collection contains fifty-two new poems by the venerable literary activist/publisher/poet Harry Smith, selected by the poet at the age of seventy-one. The collection is divided into two sections of poems. The first, Modern Ballads, celebrates common objects of nature and experiences, based in narrative. The second section, Olden Lyrics, contains a wide variety of lyric poems that are simultaneously both deft and expansive. Smith’s work displays a level of humor and philosophy seldom encountered in contemporary literature. Highly recommended for all collections of current American poetry. Continue reading →